Daily Devotional #1,424

We lift weights at our house. It is a part of our workout program. My son reminded me one day that when we lift weights, especially the heavier ones, what is happening in our muscles is that they begin to tear. When you do it right, it is what they call micro tears. The muscle tissue is broken down and then your body repairs those micro tears and your muscles become larger and stronger. Some days lifting is fun…some days it is work…and some days I just ache. But it works! I got to thinking about that process. We build our faith like we build our muscles. When you encounter troubles, disappointment or any number of painful experiences, the Bible tells us that we ought to see that as an opportunity for great joy! Because the only way that your faith and your endurance grow is when they are tested. Hard times are not ever “fun” for me, and I bet they aren’t for you either. But when they come, that’s when we get a chance to grow our spiritual muscles. So, if you have weights…start lifting…and remember how those muscles are going to become stronger. And when troubles come…stand firm and trust God and keep moving forward…because that’s how your faith is going to grow stronger. So go out there and get physically and spiritually fit!

Here’s our Bible verse for today…

James 1:2-4 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (3) For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (4) So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Remember I’m praying for you…
With love, Pastor Joe