GOD purpose for our suffering - Suffering is hard and it is just as much a part of being a Christian as anything else, there is no escape. Suffering for a Christian can be compared to the burnt offering offered in the old testament. The burnt offering was a fellowship offering that was neccessary to atone for sin and therefore allow fellowship with GOD.
We get to know Jesus through the fellowship of His suffering.
Phil 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings,....... We get to know Jesus by sharing in like experiences, suffering is one of those experiences.
The burnt offering went into the nostrils of GOD as a sweet smell (perfume). That is why the scripture says Jesus is a sweet smelling savor. Eph 5:2b... as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance..
Song 1:3 [And she continues] The odor of your ointments is fragrant; your name is like perfume poured out. Therefore do the maidens love you.
