To Share in His Suffering

1 Peter 4:13 NIV 
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

This is not a cop out for sickness and disease or hardship of any kind. The Lord is sovereign and He wants us healed. When you have done all you can do by praying, repenting, praising, thanksgiving and you have not been freed consider getting closer with the Lord. He is calling us neigh to Him. We should be doing the same. The ultimate sacrifice is when you can offer up the process you are going through right now. The everyday struggle with addiction or sickness or a troubled loved one.

James 4:8 NIV
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

There is a testimony of faith and faithfulness. For God is faithful and He will show us how to be also. What a small price to pay, that is, offering up our struggles to Him. When you think of what He has done for us by taking on a human form, struggling here on earth, taking ridicule, and resisting temptation all to give us a relationship with the Father, and ultimately giving of his body in the most painful way.

With that being said, Lord, I thank you for the joy it is to align myself with you. I am waiting for the day of your return. Father, take each day as an opportunity to mold me into the image of your Son. May each day be an opportunity for me to give you praise with a thankful heart knowing that the victory is in Jesus Himself.