Difficulties produce a deeper knowledge and experience of Jesus’ love, grace, and power.

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.” (Job 42:5)

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom 5:5)

“that I may know Him and the power [dunamis] of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil 3:10)

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.” (2Pet 3:18)

“[nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:39)

“For to you it has been granted [charizomai] on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil 1:29)

“We must through many tribulations [thlipsis] enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

“And not only that, but we also glory [kauchaomai=boast] in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom 5:3-5)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials [peirasmos], knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (Jm 1:2-4)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation [thlipsis], that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble [thlipsis], with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2Cor 1:3-4)

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered [pascho] a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1Pet 5:10)

“that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer [pascho]” (2Thes 1:5)

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered [pascho] for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow [epakoloutheo] His steps” (1Pet 2:21)

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial [purosis] which is to try [peirasmos] you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:12-13)

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials [peirasmos], that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Pet 1:6-7)

“But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials [peirasmos].” (Lk 22:28)

“You therefore, my son, be strong [endunamoo] in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2Tim 2:1)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength [dunamis] is made perfect in weakness [astheneia]. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities [astheneia], that the power [dunamis] of Christ may rest upon me.” (2Cor 12:9)

Reading: Job 40-42; Acts 25