Faith's Checkbook (By: C.H. Spurgeon)

                                         Sufferers Make Strong Believers

                              It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.
                                                                              ~ Lamentations 3:27

  "This is as good as a promise. It has been good, it is good, and it will be good for me to bear the yoke.

  The yoke of censure is an irksome one, but it prepares a man for future honor. He is not fit to be a leader who has not run the gauntlet of contempt. Praise intoxicates if it be not preceded by abuse. Men who rise to eminence without a struggle usually fall into dishonor.
  The yoke of affliction, disapointment, and excessive labor is by no means to be means to be sought for; but when the Lord lays it on us in our youth, it frequently develops a character that glorifies God and blesses the Church.
  Come my soul, bow your neck; take up your cross. It was good for you when young; it will not harm you now. For Jesus' sake, shoulder it cheerfully." (By: Charles H. Spurgeon ~ One Minute Devotions)