"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Tim. 3:10-11)

Dr. Glenn Olds, former President of Kent State University, recalled the sight of Mt. Rushmore as he hitch-hiked cross-country in 1941 during his junior year. From 10 miles back, he recognized Washington and Lincoln. But in the middle was a figure that looked like Adolf Hitler. Once close, instead of hair combed over a forehead, the young man saw cable wires, instead of a moustache, he saw a scaffolding. The image stuck, and he made this note in his journal:"What was Adolf Hitler at 10 miles away was Thomas Jefferson under construction."

The experience is true to life. Almost every major problem at a distance looks bad; however, up close, it can be seen as something under construction or repair.

Let us endure afflictions as good soldiers of Jesus Christ