1 Peter 3:14  But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
Let’s think of some examples of Bible characters who faced hardship with great faith.  Joseph first comes to mind.  He was hated by his brethren, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and even imprisoned.  Through it all… the Lord was with Joseph!  It is the Lord’s presence and peace that makes a real difference in hard times. Then I think of Daniel.  Daniel,  you need to stop that praying stuff, or we’re gonna get you.  They throw him in a den of lions because he continues to pray just as he always did!  But there was a lion in there the enemy did not recognize… the Lion of the tribe of Judah!  Protecting His prophet from the hungry lions.  The next morning, the king was amazed that Daniel survived.  Daniel faced the hardship in faith, knowing his God had power over the animal kingdom.  Lastly, let’s recall two new testament examples.  Paul and Silas are thrown in prison for preaching the gospel!  Can you imagine the reaction of some… Lord, all we did is what you told us to do, look where it’s landed us… bloody and in jail.   But not Paul and Silas!  They were praying and singing praises to the Lamb!  Their prayer may have sounded something like this… Lord, thank you for counting us worthy to suffer for your name’s sake.  God honored their suffering and their prayer… He shook the jail house and the jailer and all his house were saved!  It is important that we face our hardships in faith.  Unbelievers can become believers as they see the light in our lives, even in the darkest of hours! Amen.  Pastor