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- Oct 26, 2007
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We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 NLT
At a time when Paul and the early church faced discrimination, financial loss, and violent attacks, he suggested a counterintuitive response to problems and trials: rejoice. Why would he ever encourage anyone to rejoice in a time of suffering and struggle?
Simply put adversity leads to endurance that strengthens your hope in salvation. Adversity offers a blunt but useful test for what you value and who you trust in. Will you endure and continue to trust in God, or will you turn elsewhere for your hope? If everything was smooth sailing all the time, you may begin to trust more in yourself or in others rather than in God. Each trial is an opportunity to examine the state of your faith.
While God surely remains with you in your times of suffering and mourns with you in your darkest hours, your faith can take a step forward when it seems that everything is moving backward or spinning out of control. You will renew your strength when you rely on God in troubling times.
Prayer: Jesus, I trust that You are near in my trials, and I ask that You would increase my faith so that I can endure difficult times.
At a time when Paul and the early church faced discrimination, financial loss, and violent attacks, he suggested a counterintuitive response to problems and trials: rejoice. Why would he ever encourage anyone to rejoice in a time of suffering and struggle?
Simply put adversity leads to endurance that strengthens your hope in salvation. Adversity offers a blunt but useful test for what you value and who you trust in. Will you endure and continue to trust in God, or will you turn elsewhere for your hope? If everything was smooth sailing all the time, you may begin to trust more in yourself or in others rather than in God. Each trial is an opportunity to examine the state of your faith.
While God surely remains with you in your times of suffering and mourns with you in your darkest hours, your faith can take a step forward when it seems that everything is moving backward or spinning out of control. You will renew your strength when you rely on God in troubling times.
Prayer: Jesus, I trust that You are near in my trials, and I ask that You would increase my faith so that I can endure difficult times.
