I've had so many good things happen to me almost daily, and I know it's because of God's blessing coming my way. Today something also happened that really made me feel extra good. Instead of drawing attention to me by telling everyone my story, I'll just say it's about "The Crown of Rejoicing" and my question was answered.
But I want to share below something I also just found for all those going through hardship and tribulation, and need encouragement & inspiration. I can testify whatever you're enduring will not go to waste and your reward someday here or in the millennium will be at least 10-fold your pain.
source: http://www.g-m-a-g.com/message5.htm
3. The crown of life: James 1:12. For those believers who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death Rev. 2:8-11. This crown is also referred to as the martyr's crown.
Jesus says that He will give this crown to those who undergo severe hardship, testing, tribulation and/or physical death on His behalf. Probably being willing to die for your faith in God would be the ultimate sacrifice. It is the greatest act of courage and love that you can show God. Christians who have been martyred for their faith throughout history will not only be given this crown of life, but other rewards once they enter into heaven.
God the Father will honour each ones trials and tribulations and thus will be rewarding them accordingly. Also consider this verse from Rev. 2:10.
"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
http://www.ffruits.org/v03/fivecrowns.html
Luke 19:17
"And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities."
Crown of Life = Ruler over 10 cities
Keep the spirit. Just remember, your rewards will be at least 10-fold.
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EDIT: Funny, this was immediately brought to my attention a few minutes after my post above. I actually thought it was 10 from hearing a pastor claiming 10-fold but it's actually 100-fold. "Thank You Father God for bringing this to my attention!"
Mark 10:29-30
So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
Well, I did say "at least" 10-fold. :mrgreen:
