Suffering and sorrow, troubles and trials, are not exceptional to the Christian life but rather normative. Paul tells us that not only is it given" to us that we believe in Jesus Christ but also that we "suffer for his sake." Paul even prayed that he might know "the fellowship of His sufferings" and "fill up that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my own body." How radically different is Paul's understanding of the Christian life than what we hear from the modern prophets of health and wealth. I wrote this book as a means of encouragement for those who understand the Christian life as Paul understood it; yes, a life of inner peace and "joy unspeakable and full of glory," but also "of a few days and full of trouble." Let us remember the words of our Lord, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."