A Christian who has not suffered is like a child without training. Such Christians cannot receive or understand the fulness of God's blessing. They know the Lord only as an acquaintance rather than as an intimate heavenly Father. Romans 8:17 says, "Now, if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings, we do so we may share in His glory." This is the goal of the Christian: to so identify with Jesus Christ that is all others see.