1 Kings 8:31-66; Jeremiah 16:1-21; Philippians 1:21-2:11
Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
There are high costs to being submissive to the will of God. But some things are more important than life itself. To do the will of God, and “live Christ”, is of greater value in life than to be successful. This is why there is no reason to despair, or for thinking we are defeated when setbacks come. These conditions are sometimes necessary for our learning and discipline. Focus on what God wants, not on what we or others might want. Enduring suffering is
one of the ways in which character is built. —Gaius C. Goff
Nothing between, e’en many hard trials, though the whole world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self-denial, I’ll triumph at last, with nothing between. —C.A. Tindley