For me, the best teaching, and therefore the most enduring learning includes example and demonstration. Personal example far outweighs impersonal instruction. I guess that is why when I am asked “How do I learn the best?” my response is generally “The hard way and by poor choices.” As I look back at the early church I have always been curious as to how Peter felt when he wrote to the believers to warn and prepare them for some tough times ahead and used Jesus as the ultimate example of how to handle difficult times. In society today it appears we put the pleasure of the world over the persecution of the church and prosperity and popularity above poverty and prisons for the gospel’s sake. Many today don’t really comprehend that the Christian life has never been measured by the absence of suffering but by our willingness to remain faithful through it. If our Savior was perfected through suffering in His earthly ministry, we should not be surprised when the Lord uses trials to conform us more closely to His image. I am convicted by what is written in *1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.* Think about what that really looks like to follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus? Following Jesus is more than admiring His teachings; it is choosing His path, even when that path leads through difficulty before it leads to glory. Throughout the beatings, floggings, and even the crucifixion, Jesus responded by asking the Father to forgive those who were putting Him to death. Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father’s will, and oh how I wish that I did that more than I do in the moments of trials. Every trial presents another opportunity to trust the Father’s wisdom instead of relying upon our own understanding. God often accomplishes His deepest work within us when the circumstances around us seem the most uncertain. I don’t know what you may be going through today, maybe you are suffering through a personal illness or the illness of a loved one and are unsure as to what to do. Maybe you are suffering as a result of a job loss, financial hardship, or relationship break-up for the gospel’s sake. Maybe, you are facing mental or spiritual challenges and battles due to being faithful to the Lord Jesus. Maybe your life is blessed beyond measure and you have no idea what I am talking about? The promise of Scripture is not that we will escape hardship, but that the Lord Himself will remain faithful to sustain us through every season. Whatever it is, I invite you to take your fear, anger, confusion, disillusionment, broken heart and entrust yourself to the Father and all that He has for you whether good or bad. When we follow Jesus’ example and live for others, we too may suffer but our goal should be to face suffering as the Lord did, with patience, calmness, and confidence that God the Father is in control, for He is Sovereign. Brethren, it is written that believers in the Lord Jesus will suffer, so my hope is to encourage you with this verse as I pray that I am doing this for all that read these words written in *Acts 14:22 Establishing and strengthening the souls and the hearts of the disciples, urging and warning and encouraging them to stand firm in the faith, and [telling them] that it is through many hardships and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.* I pray for all who read this to endure the hardships as I do trusting God to help me through.  May we never forget that we are fellow pilgrims, strengthening one another until the day we stand together in the presence of our Savior. If you are weary today, know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are praying with you, standing beside you, and pointing you back to the faithfulness of God. Let us encourage one another to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, for the One who called us is faithful and will never abandon His own. Until He calls us home, may we continue to walk together in faith, endure together in hope, and love one another with the same sacrificial love that Christ first showed us. My prayer for all who read these words is found in *1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. 11 To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.*

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.