Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

(2Ti 4:5) “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”  “Endure afflictions”: that’s enough right there to stop most professing Christians from being faithful to the Lord. They expect blessings. In their mind, afflictions are not blessings. Yet, afflictions are blessings: Rom_5:3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;; Jas_1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”; Act_5:41  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”; Heb_11:35 “…. and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:”; Joh_16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  It sounds to me as if the Lord says, “Afflictions are blessings in disguise.”