So while it is true that God Grants Christians the Privilege of Suffering for Christ’s Name, it is also true that He grants you grace and courage and strength to bear the suffering. He brings Jesus to you in the Word and Sacraments, and by those means also brings you to Jesus, preserving your faith in Him and keeping you in His body. God does not have to resolve to love you better this year or next year. He loves you perfectly now and always, and He will not forsake you in your suffering. Even when you find it difficult to rejoice in your suffering, God always rejoices in you, for you are His own beloved child redeemed by His Son and sanctified by His Spirit.