As we faithfully serve the Lord through the power of His Spirit, the devil’s hosts will begin to attack us with all their might. As a result, we may be called upon to suffer for Christ’s sake. The veteran missionary Russell Ebersole was once greatly encouraged by the beloved Bible teacher William Pettingill.
After Ebersole told him of the disappointments and trials he had faced on the foreign field, Pettingill exclaimed, "Brother, that means you’re on the right track. If you never experience any opposition or setbacks in the Lord’s work, you ought to get down on your knees and ask Him to show you what you’re doing wrong!"
We have many difficulties, but God’s promises are greater! "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God." (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
Thomas Paine said, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; ’tis dearness only that gives everything its value.”