* It’s natural for people to move toward comfort and move away from pain.

* But we have to go the opposite way as believers.

* We must embrace the pain - this is what carrying our cross means.

* The pain Paul speaks of most often is persecution.

* Even Peter fell into the temptation to avoid the pain of persecution.

* It’s a very big temptation.

* The key is to embrace the pain, knowing it will produce fruit in our lives.

* The only reason I work out is because I know the benefit of it.

* A donkey leans into pain, this is why they are considered stubborn.

* But it’s also why they’re so valuable to farmers - they work hard and don’t stop!

* It’s in their nature.

* Be a donkey and embrace the pain!