We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. So why should we, who are sinful and far from perfect, be surprised when we are called to suffer too? Tell me: shall the Head be crowned with thorns while the rest of the body is rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass through seas of his own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No! Our Master's experience teaches us that suffering is necessary. And the true-born child of God must not escape it—would not escape it, even if he might.

But here is a deeply comforting thought about Christ being made perfect through suffering: it means he can have complete sympathy with us. He is not some high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. In Christ's sympathy, we find sustaining power. One of the early martyrs declared, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and he suffers in me now. He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong."

Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in his steps. Find sweet support in his sympathy. And remember this: to suffer is an honorable thing. To suffer for Christ is glory itself! The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for his name. Listen carefully: just so far as the Lord gives us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does he honor us.

The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God has anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, their griefs. So let us not shun being honored! Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him."