"We went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment."
Only those who persevere through trials get the benefit of "rich fulfillment" at the end of them. This principle is true at both the micro and macro levels of life. Testings and temptations endured give way to rest and satisfaction later. After the devil left Jesus, angels came and ministered to Him (in Matt. 4:11).
The spoils of Christ's victory for His church do *not* go to "prima donna" spirits. Instead, they are the possession of those brave hearts that are willing, by grace, to take on the flesh, the world, and the devil--and defeat them (through their faith in Christ).
[Puritan quote of the day: "True religion in a state is as a main pillar of a house and the post of a tent that upholds all." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]
