Conflict
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. (Thomas Paine, English-born American Founding Father)
In describing life’s difficulties, Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow observed, “Into each life some rain must fall.” We simply can’t avoid all conflict, but Paine was probably thinking of impending war—really serious conflict. As we know now, of course, the conflict that was envisioned in the late 18th century resulted in the triumph that brought the USA into existence.
But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession (2 Corinthians 2:14).