This last week I had the privilege of attending the Desiring God Conference for Pastors.  Eric Mason of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia preached a penetrating message on the role of suffering in sanctification & the experience of  joy.

God is concerned about one thing and one thing only: that we would look like Jesus. He is spit-shining us to make us practically into the image of his Son. He doesn’t send trials to take away our joy but to increase our joy. When I sense that a trial is coming, I pray that God would receive maximum glory out of it.

You can listen to the talk here.

~ Mike