In recent times of trial, I was looking through a study of Ephesians by Warren Wiersbe and read the following words:

"Christ is equipping us for our walk and our work here on earth. To do this, He uses three special tools: the Word (1 Thes. 2:13 And we thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.), prayer (Ephesians 3: 20-21 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen ), and suffering (1 Peter 4: 12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.)

As we read God's Word, understand it, meditate on it, and feed on it, the Word goes to work in our lives to cleanse us and nourish us. As we pray, God's Spirit works in us to release power. And as we suffer the Spirit of God ministers to us. Suffering drives us back to the Word and prayer, and the cycle is repeated."

Randy Smith