We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, Romans 5:3 GNB
Paul wasn't big on boasting, because he knew that he could be nothing and he could do nothing without the greatness and the grace of God. However, he wrote that if he is going to boast about something, he will boast about his weaknesses... and he will boast about his troubles. Why? Because in our weakness, the power of God is made perfect (2 Cor. 12:9), and in our troubles, we develop our faith and produce within ourselves endurance. It is not necessarily our troubles that allow us to endure but rather the knowledge that through the strength and grace of God, we have made it through troubles in the past, which makes us confident that we will make it through our troubles today.
Thoughts to Ponder: What power are you allowing your troubles to have over your life? How are you looking at the difficulties that you face? Do you challenge life or do you cower before it? Do you put things into the right perspective or do you adopt an attitude of hopelessness and frustration? As you begin this week, commit to changing the way you look at your troubles and watch for ways your trials bring endurance, wisdom, and change. Troubles produce endurance - how can the troubles you've faced benefit you today?
Prayer: Lord God, I come before You thankful and humble, knowing that You have allowed all of my experiences for a reason. Father God, I fall short of Your glory daily, but You continue to keep watch over me, protecting me and guiding me as I go about things day after day. Lord, in order that I may not grow weak, weary, and lost, You provide me with opportunities to grow in my faith and You let me know that You are always there for me. Father God, please help me to see the good that You are working out in all of my circumstances. Please help me to live by Your Word and bless Your name in all that I do. In Jesus' precious and perfect name, Amen.
Kathleen Robertson, Founder of StepInFaith Ministry
E-Mail: kat@stepinfaith.org
PO Box 2614 | Ruston, LA 71273-2614
Posted By: Minister Celeste Kelley
Monday, September 29th 2008 at 9:59AM
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