Jesus calls us to carry a piece of timber, that crossbeam which, to this day, is still an embarrassment to most. He asks us to bear up under the embarrassment that comes by being His friend.

Jesus knows that when a disciple first takes up the daily cross, he has no idea what he is doing. However, the cross must be met; Jesus knows that. It is woven into the fabric of servantship and cannot be escaped.

Therefore, in love Jesus watches over His grace child as he hoists that timber into the air for the first time. Jesus knows that the testings here on out will have to be bolstered by sheer grace, or the child will never make it home.

That is why there is such emphasis in the Word concerning suffering. From Adam to John on the Isle, we are surrounded by the brave souls in agony. The martyrs under the heavenly altar visited in the Book of Revelation are exclaiming to God how long such torment must go on. God reminds them that a few more will be added to their number, then the end will come.

We today are caught in the in-between-times of suffering. Therefore, the Word comforts by telling us not to be surprised when persecutions come to us personally. They are there to remind us of what Jesus has gone through for our salvation. If we did not have that reminder, we would become spoiled children of the kingdom. That can never be tolerated.

When the suffering comes to you, regard it as your ministry of suffering. That is one of the prized ministries in the work of the gospel. It is given to those who can be trusted with such a high calling to holiness.

The ministry of suffering gives God praise for His enduring grace each day. It also teaches one how to offer the poured out offering of selfgiving. Further, others are blessed when we are bearing up under the ministry of suffering, for we are able to tell them that we have walked where they are presently walking.

Take the ministry of suffering as a gift to be prized. Jesus is with you in the anguish. He will teach you what you need to know.

You also will be gladdened to know that the air becomes freer as you let go of all that would hinder your ministry. There are many foolish toys you grasp, even in the name of religion. They must be tossed far away. Nothing will be left but the cross and its ministry of suffering. In this you will come upon your freedom in Christ. You will define that freedom in your own individuality according to the divine will.

Right now, permit the ministry of suffering to be ordained upon your humble life. Take it and know the mercy of the Father anew. Take it and ask Father to show you how to console another.

Further, in this suffering ministry, we learn that we are not to see ahead of us. "Faith is. . .the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) That is why Jesus instructed His cross bearers not to move into morrow. We are not there yet. Morrow is where only God is now.