Always enjoy reading your posts @rynow, you get me thinking, and that's a great thing.

The idea of being glad for the punishments we receive in this life is so counter-cultural but absolutely a part of Christ's call to His followers. We are servants of His kingdom, commanded to walk obediantly in humility toward self-sacrifice, poured out for His sake, even to the point of death, but we can always remember we are in great company since He did the same also. (Philippians 2:8)

We are not alone in our suffering

God with us | "...they will call Him Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23)

Daniel 3:18-25

Everytime I think about suffering in life, I remember He stands with us in the fire. We do not suffer alone, or unnoticed.

Romans 8:28

And all the challenges of today are part of the path He has set before us, for our good and his glory. As Romans says, He is working all things for the good of those who serve Him.

Revelation 21:4

We should always remember He is faithful, and He has promised, so one day, after He returns, we can trust that He will wipe away every tear.

Conclusion / Summary:

None of these quotes mean that life will be easy. Following Christ is NOT easy. But He stands with us, in all that comes. He empowers and encourages, He is our armor and with Him we will not fall.

Be encouraged friends, God loves you, and though life will be difficult, you can trust that He stands with you through the worst of it.