My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:11-12 GNT

It is our duty as believers to be prepared to endure any hardship and trial which God lays out for us in our Christian walk. Just as Christ’s whole body was lifted up on the cross, no member of His can expect to escape the cross now. It will not speak glory for the Savior if we merely yield passively to God’s will; we must be ready with an active and holy patience to obey, to be led down into the very chambers of death itself, if that is God’s choice.

Let not our epitaph be: Here lies one against his will.