1. We think that living as Christians causes God to bless us. We serve God often out of self-interest trying to earn blessings.
2. This is a weak type of faith.
3. God does give us inward blessings of peace and fellowship with him.
4. God allows trials, temptations, tests, and afflictions to bring us from weak ( give me blessings ) faith ; to a stronger ( I will still trust you ) faith.
5. The world notices faith that remains in the midst of loss, trial, an opposition.
6. We must remain faithful and carry our cross of suffering as Jesus did, praying "Not my will, but yours be done".
7. As a Christian, suffering is an opportunity to share in Christ's suffering ; proving to Satan and the world that God's grace is sufficient.
8. Suffering as a Christian is also an opportunity to prove, we want to glorify God, not just be blessed.
9. Suffering as a Christian is an opportunity to prove to others that God loves us even in our times of suffering.
10. This life on Earth is a battleground. Satan desires to destroy us and our faith in God.
11. As Christians, we have God as our protector, but we are here to fight against the dark forces of evil.
12. God is growing us, and operating on us in times of affliction.
