[Drake]

ZNP) "In my own experience the fear was a mirage. Face it, go through the cross, experience the fellowship of the Lord's sufferings and you will also experience the outstanding resurrection."

At some point, probably around the Philippians training, my understanding flipped on this and I realized that my personal experience more closely aligned with that of Philippians 3:10. There the starting the point is the power of His resurrection then what follows is the fellowship of His sufferings and being conformed to His death. That helped me to struggle less and enjoy Him more. Less anxiety and more trust.

This footnote in the Recovery Version on that verse articulates my experience well:

"With Christ, the sufferings and death came first, followed by the resurrection. With us, the power of His resurrection comes first, followed by the participation in His sufferings and conformity to His death. We first receive the power of His resurrection; then by His power we are enabled to participate in His sufferings and live a crucified life in conformity to His death. Such sufferings are mainly for producing and building up the Body of Christ (Col 1:24)"

An example of this is what I meant in response to Igzy about living the "good brother" life of Christ.

Nevertheless ZNP, by whatever process or steps taken you must have also experienced His resurrection power in fellowship and in the joy of the Lord since you were there for another decade in spite of adverse circumstances.

Drake