We are admonished to recognize Jesus Christ as our Archegos—our trailblazer, pioneer, and captain of our salvation-leading us through suffering into glory. As He became incarnated and endured suffering, He was perfected for His mission of becoming our merciful and faithful High Priest. From His example, we learn that hardship is not removed from our spiritual trek, but God strengthens us to endure and overcome through our afflictions. Rather than a sign of divine neglect, suffering is a training ground for spiritual maturity. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" (II Corinthians 12) was not a pardon, but a power to endure. Paul reminds us that through God's Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 1:13; 4:13). Paradoxically, true spiritual strength manifests itself in weakness, as we lean on God and actively participate in our sanctification. God's spirit energized Paul during persecution, shipwreck, and abandonment, illustrating that divine assurance, not comfort, empowered his lifelong mission. Nehemiah 8:10 teaches us that God-inspired joy and courage sustain us when circumstances threaten to weaken us. Paul, Ezra, and Nehemiah have taught us that knowing who we are—namely God's elect—enables us to reject fear, endure opposition, and stand firm. II Peter 1:10-11 exhorts us to make our calling and election sure, actively confirming our salvation through obedience, growth, and spiritual fruit, realizing that our strength does not lie in worldly power, but rather in unwavering confidence in God's promise, empowered by Christ and fueled by joy, identity, and grace.