Nothing noble is attained easily

(J.R. Miller, "The Glory of the Commonplace")

"These in white robes — who are they, and where did they come from?"
"These are those who have come out of the great tribulation!" Revelation 7:13-14

In John's vision the noble saints, shining in white garments and bearing the symbols of battle and victory, had come, not out of ease and soft circumstances; not out of experiences of luxury, from cosy homes, from favored spots and congenial conditions. Rather they had won their nobleness . . .
  in hard circumstances,
  in fierce struggles,
  in sharp temptations,
  in bitter sorrows,
  in keen sufferings.

Some of us grow impatient of our difficulties and hardships. We brood over them, and come to think that we have not been fairly dealt with by God. Some of us resent our trials, and think that God has not been kind or just with us.

A young man told of his hard trials and losses, his sore bereavements and sorrows, his severe disappointments and struggles, and of the wrongs and injustices he had suffered from those who ought to have been his friends. But all that had seemed so hard, meant an opportunity for this young man to grow into manly strength and heroic Christ-like character.

Those who have the battles and the trials, and overcome in them, shall wear white robes and carry palm branches. They shall be among the victors at the last. Nothing noble is attained easily. The crowns of life, can only be won on the fields of struggle!

"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life!" Revelation 2:10

"All who overcome will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be My children!" Revelation 21:7