In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ’s sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings, if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self-indulgence, and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace of Jesus, nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation.—Testimonies for the Church 5:215.
“You will rejoice then, though for the passing moment you may need to suffer various trials; that is only to prove your faith is sterling, ... and it redounds to your praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You never knew Him, but you love Him; for the moment you do not see Him, but you believe in Him, and you will thrill with an unspeakable and glorious joy to obtain the outcome of your faith in the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9, Moffatt. RRe 121
In these underground retreats [the catacombs in Rome] the followers of Christ buried their dead; and here also, when suspected and proscribed, they found a home. When the Life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ's sake will come forth from those gloomy caverns.—The Great Controversy, 40. Hvn 83
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. 1 Peter 1:5-6. KJV