"Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)
"Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on…” Philippians 3:12 (NIV).
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” Galatians 4:8 (NIV)
"Some people came and asked Jesus, ‘How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?’" Mark 2:18 (NIV)
"Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)
"Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on…” Philippians 3:12 (NIV).
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” Galatians 4:8 (NIV)
"Some people came and asked Jesus, ‘How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?’" Mark 2:18 (NIV)
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 (NIV)
“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:9 (NIV)
Is it possible for us to learn what life is all about and to receive all we need for a lifetime's enjoyment and fulfillment? Although a life of emptiness and shattering disappointments is all too normal, it is unnatural and need not go on in this way. You could have all that is in the power of the loving kindness of your Creator to give to you, not because you have earned it but simply because God loves you. After all, He is the One who lies behind this unexpected event, that you, who have gone on for years without good thoughts of Jesus Christ, should continue to read these sentences and reconsider what it tells you of how you could have it all.