When things are difficult it is harder to be cheerful or even smile. Pain tends to make us grimace. When life brings any kind of suffering onto your plate, it need not steal a cheerful heart and a joyful spirit. It will test your attitude for sure. It does not have to reduce us to ashes. Christ “learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Heb 5:8). He taught us to rejoice in our sufferings. His example and presence make it possible.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NASB)
