“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings...” (Philippians 3:10).
The word "sufferings" in this book does not refer to physical or mental illnesses, but to the sufferings of Christ. We must pay with him the price of proclaiming the good news of the cross and Christ's resurrection to a world that is hostile to God and His ways.
We must not focus on suffering, but on the splendid truth that we are children of God and co-heirs with Christ, who have been given the privilege of participating in the ministry of reconciling all things to Himself through Christ. No matter what God asks of us, He will always give us back more in this life. Furthermore, He assures us that we will be glorified with Him, that His glory will be revealed through us.