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Phil. 1: 29 “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for his sake” If we seek to be like Jesus & His life being formed in us, this aspect of Christ-likeness is inevitable. If we seek to avoid it, we will not be like Christ, for He drank the bitter cup of suffering. The early church rejoiced that they were like Jesus in this way Acts 5:41-42. Paul said it was part of and parcel of being a follower of Christ. It is a call to come & die. If not physically, then to our comforts, self-centered world, recognition, etc. It is not suffering just from. living in this world. It is suffering from following Jesus. It has been issued to you that we put it on like clothing. We don’t seek to avoid it but embrace it and let God be glorified in whatever means He chooses to bring it on.--- Dan Nelson