In 2 Timothy 2:3, it declares, "Thou therefore endure hardness as good soldier of Jesus Christ." This verse of scripture tells in a nutshell what living sacrifice is all about. Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come, this clearly depicts the life of every Christian believer who is sold out and fully committed to the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must suffer, endure hardness, and persevere for this great work that was hand down to us with all boldness, courage, determination, soundness of mind, and love. As the Lord opened my dark understanding, I now know that Christianity is more than what meets the eye, and some lessons can only be learned through experiences.Our daily walk is a step-by-step process; some days, we will be pressed like the olive to extract its oil, crushed like the grape to extract its juice, and grind and melt in the fire like the ore to extract pure gold. Our process as Christians is never easy but necessary. Look how rich and costly the olive oil is at the end of its process; it is used worldwide in every church as it represents the blood of Jesus when consecrated by an anointed man or woman of God. See how expensive and valuable grape juice and wine are in today's society; our famous Christmas cake recipe would be incomplete without it. Finally, gold is the most expensive of its kind and is used for various purposes such as in medicine, dentistry, electronics and computers, medal and statues, and jewelry.We are all a part of God's masterplan and purpose here on earth, and it's our responsibility to seek Him, come what may, to know who we are and what purpose we serve in the church or the body of Christ. Just like the olive, the grape, and the gold, we all have a specific purpose as children of God, but we must endure the process to function effectively in the capacity unto which we were called.He knoweth the way that I take, when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold.--Job 23:10

--Shaneika Henriques Badley

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