Every Believer is being conformed into the image of the Lord Yeshua. (Rom. 8: 29).  This means the congregation of believers will experience what Yeshua did, though not necessarily every believer in every aspect.  For example, only a few may be martyred, beaten to the point of death, or perform miracles, but many will speak God’s words, all will learn selflessness and be tempted, all will forgive, some will suffer in various trials.  The variety of spiritual gifts are examples of this diversity among the body of Messiah.  We represent parts of His body so each part is different. (1 Cor. 12: 27).

Some may experience various degrees of rejection by church leaders, just as Yeshua was rejected by the Sanhedrin and Jewish leadership in His day.  The very people who should have been first to welcome and embrace Yeshua, treated Him with contempt.  This can happen in the congregation of believers, things said maybe misinterpreted, actions can be misunderstood, and lies or gossip believed about us.  Sadly, this happens too often, but all men are fallible, church leaders are no exception.  When I experienced it myself, I struggled with how to correct the problem; how could I get to the root of the issue, but it was too baffling for me.  Then, I asked the Lord to deal with it and I put it in His hands.  Shortly, thereafter, I saw that He had experienced this and to a far greater degree.  His interactions, explanations, responses, and evidence fell on deaf ears of the religious leadership, with a few notable exceptions.  I believe I have no right to refuse anything that He experienced, in fact, to do so would be contrary to scripture and God’s work in me.  I may not understand why things happened at that time, but God was in control and completely trustworthy.  This understanding transformed my perspective, the confusion and sadness I felt went away with my concern to rectify the situation – peace returned.

Are you now suffering something that baffles and burdens you?  Are you tempted with retribution, hate, and vengeance, which is perhaps the greatest bondage.  Yeshua said He would never leave us, so He is there when we are mistreated, disappointed, hurt or rejected.  When these trials, difficulty, or persecution come, you might ask Him where He was, then imagine Him standing there beside you during the event.  He cares for us deeply, but that does not mean He is a genie who gives us everything we want.  We let our children fall as they learn to walk, it is necessary.  Scripture tells about Yeshua, “…Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” (Hebrews 5: 7-9).  As our Lord suffered, we must also suffer to learn obedience, to share in His suffering, and to be conformed into His likeness.

God is the God of all comfort.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Cor. 1: 3-5).  Troubles and difficulty we experience may have a spiritual eternal purpose, but not to burden and destroy us, therefore God sends comfort and healing of harm.  Just as the angels ministered to Yeshua the Holy Spirit comforts and restores us.  The Believer’s life is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14: 17).  “Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30: 4-5).