Believers know they have to suffer but that doesn't reduce the pain - Jeremiahs 37-41

Believers know they must suffer but that doesn't change the pain of it.   Anyone who has put their faith in Christ and has grown, even a small amount, eventually comes to the knowledge about believers and suffering.   We know that, like Christ, we are to suffer in this present world.   You don't have to read too far into the New Testament epistles to realize this was taught by the Apostles or read too in Acts and realize it was lived by the Apostles and the early church.   We sometimes, when the pain of suffering comes so strong, might feel ashamed or "tiny" in our faith.    In reality, our flesh will always cry out against pain no matter the size of our faith.  David's cries bellow from the Psalms.   Nehemiah's pain was seen by the king.   In this chapter of Jeremiah we finally see the old prophet look human for the first time.   In Jeremiah 37:20 we read:

But now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my petition come before you and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.”

Although this won't be the last pain he feels, Jeremiah didn't want to have a desire to go back to this experience.   God had put him directly in this place.  God had given him his message.  God was directing his life.    It would have been easy for the prophet to wonder, "What on earth is going on.  I'm doing exactly as God told me and now I  am in prison!  That doesn't make sense to me!"  But, that is the point of our reference.   God did not promise if we walked in His will we would have freedom from suffering, pain, sorrow, persecution.  In fact, if you read the stories of the Bible, most of those who followed God suffered much.  Those who followed Him harder suffered it more.   Let's not forget that our "Light afflictions are but for a moment" (Romans 8).  However, let us also remember that God is there in the midst and He is conforming us, through these sufferings, to look more and more like His Son.  The Spirit uses these "sufferings" as His pen to write "Love the Lord and love others" on our hearts (the Law).   Rejoice in what God is doing.  Learn to love God and others through them.