Suffering is arguably God's choicest tool in shaping the character of Christ in us.

Deny your weakness, and you will never realize God's strength in you.

Even in my despair, I knew in a vague way that the Bible held hope for me in its pages. I just didn't know where to begin.

Most of the verses written about praise in God’s Word were voiced by people who were faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander, and scores of other difficult situations.

Anyone who takes the Bible seriously agrees that God hates suffering. Jesus spent most of his time relieving it. But when being healed becomes the only goal - 'I'm not letting go until I get what I want' - it's a problem.

I once read in a Bible commentary that the word "Christian" means "little Christs." What an honor to share Christ's name! We can be bold to call ourselves Christians and bear the stamp of his character and reputation. When people find out the you are a Christian, they should already have an idea of who you are and what you are like simply because you bear such a precious name.

The Bible is replete with commands to persevere, especially in the face of injustice.