Daily Devotional #1,667

One passage that I treasure comes from Romans 5. It tells us that we all are going to run into problems and trials. But we are told to rejoice when those things happen! That's about the last thing we want to do when the walls come tumbling down around us. But the promise is that God will use our problems, large and small to help us develop endurance. And if we will persevere then we will see our patience under fire produce character. But the real game changer here is that this God formed character will allow us to have hope. And the promise is that this hope will not disappoint us because it is a promise by God to you and me that he has a future for us, that he is with us and that you and I will not only survive, but will thrive in the days ahead. So, no matter where you are in life or what kind of battles, seen and unseen by others, you are waging, don't give up. God is choosing to make you strong, but you will have to depend on him and to trust him in even the times that break your heart. Because his promise is that he is working and the hope that he is building in you is the absolute expectation of good that is coming. And when you fear that all is lost, reach back like I do to the Psalms 56:3 and remember that when you are afraid, put your trust in God. You are going to make it...just don't quit on yourself and don't quit on God.

Here's our Bible verse for today...

Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Remember I'm praying for you!
With love, PJ