Have you had to suffer hardship? We probably all have at some time. But take a moment to consider the following three lives.

John Merrick was born in the 19th century. John suffered from terrible deformities and scars. He was (rather unkindly) known as the elephant man, rejected by society and lived most of his adult life at the London hospital. But despite his problems and difficulties John was never found speaking ill of anyone. He had received the Lord into his life whilst a young man and although his life was shortened because of his handicap, he was content. People rejected him but "the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Job born in Old Testament times suffered in other ways. God allowed him to be tested to prove his faith. He suffered being covered in boils, he lost his children and everything that was dear to him - even his closest friends deserted him. But through all the trials and problems and the terrible loss he suffered, he still praised the Lord and never turned against God. Because of it the Lord "blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning." (Job 42:12)

Jesus Christ the Son of God lived a perfect sinless life. He is described in the Bible as being "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26) and yet was "wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities." (Isaiah 53:5). He was despised, suffering terrible rejection. Nobody that ever walked this planet suffered in the way Jesus did. But it wasn't only physically that Jesus suffered. He bore in His own body the sin of the whole world, paying the ultimate price with His own life on the cross. But, praise God, He didn't stay dead! God raised Him from the dead. And now Jesus is able to offer all those who will come to Him in repentance, the comfort of knowing that He understands and He cares.