"It is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Rom 8:16 RSV). This verse is what keeps me going. When He bears witness with my spirit the reward is assurance. All the atheists on curezone can't stand against this in me. Some of them have tried, but they didn't get anywhere. :) Even though I have not had an easy life, I would not trade this experience for that wonderful, glamorous and awesome life they talk about. After all, Jesus didn't promise me a glorious life. He did promise that we would have many trials and tribulations. I guess that's the cost we are to count. It's well worth it and that is putting it mildly.