Overcome anything in the confidence of you union with Him, so that contemplating trial, enduring persecution or loneliness, you may know the blessedness of the 'joy set before' for 'We are the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.' And what are sheep doing going into the gate? What is their purpose inside those courts? To bleat melodies and enjoy the company of the flock? No. Those sheep were headed for the altar. Ther pasture feeding had been for one purpose: to test them and fatten them for bloody sacrifice. Gove Him thanks, then, that you have been counted worthy of His altars. Enter into the work with praise.

-Jim Elliot, 1949