No matter how bad things look or feel, it's always too early to give up. Even Jesus had to go to the cross and descend into hell before he could rise victoriously. The fellowship we enjoy with our risen Lord is only a down payment on the rewards he has promised. Meanwhile, we have to wait. We have to endure all the annoyances, pain, and humiliation that life dishes out to us, and we might as well endure it patiently. After all, when we are raised with Christ, none of what causes us to suffer will be raised with us.