Your share of hardship

Life is tough.  As they say, “It don’t come easy” (Ringo Star: It Don’t Come Easy).

And even if you are following Jesus – it doesn’t get easier.  Now you belong to Jesus, but the Christian life can get quite difficult. Jesus basically promised troubles would come:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
– John 16:33

Paul and Barnabas said that the Kingdom of God is on the other side of “many tribulations and hardships”.  We must go through them:

²¹ They preached the good news to that city and made many disciples, then they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² strengthening and establishing the hearts of the disciples; encouraging them to remain firm in the faith,

saying, “It is through many tribulations and hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God.”
– Acts 14:21-22

Again, “Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus”  told us (through his letter to Timothy): “Take with me your share of hardship….”

2 Timothy 2:3
³Take with me your share of hardship
[passing through the difficulties
which you are called to endure],
like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

Other Translations of 2 Timothy 2:3:

CEB
³Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

CJB
³Accept your share in suffering disgrace as a good soldier of the Messiah Yeshua.

ICB
³Share in the troubles that we have. Accept them like a true soldier of Christ Jesus.

MSG
³When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did.

VOICE
³As a good soldier of Jesus the Anointed, be ready to suffer with me.

WE
³Be patient in your trouble like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Each of us is “called to endure” “our share” of troubles and griefs in life.  Rely on Him. Boldly pray for His grace and help.

Hebrews 4:16 in other English translations

– Hebrews 4:16   ^{New Living Translation  NLT
16} So let us come boldly to the throne of our God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

– Hebrews 4:16   ^{AMPLIFIED VERSION  AMP
16} Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

– Hebrews 4:16  ^{Complete Jewish Bible  CJB
16} Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

Through Grace and Sheer Mercy

Rely on the Spirit of God in you

Fight the good fight