God's people face trials. When God chose His people, He never intended for them to be without hardships. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction, not for worldly peace and joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of life was never promised. When our Lord outlined the privileges of His followers, He included trials as part of our inheritance.

Trials are ours to bear. They were planned for us in Christ's final legacy. Just as the stars are set in their courses by His hand, so are our trials given to us. He determines their time, place, intensity, and purpose. Good people shouldn't expect a trouble-free life. If they do, they'll be disappointed, as those who came before us also faced hardships.

Consider Job's patience. Remember Abraham, who faced trials and became the "Father of the faithful" through his faith. Look at the stories of the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs. None whom God chose as vessels of mercy escaped the fire of affliction. It's long been decided that the cross of trouble marks every vessel of mercy, distinguishing them as the King's vessels of honor. Though tribulation is the path for God's children, they find comfort knowing their Master traveled it first. They have His presence and sympathy, His grace to support them, and His example to teach endurance. When they reach the kingdom, it will more than compensate for the "much tribulation" they endured to enter it.