Not for Our Comfort
"We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
Dan was riding his motorcycle when a car swerved into his lane and pushed him into oncoming traffic. When he woke up two weeks later in the trauma center, he was "a mess." Worst of all, he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him a paraplegic. Dan prayed for healing, but it never came. Instead, he believes God has compassionately taught him that "the purpose of this life is that we become conformed to the image of Christ. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen when everything is unicorns and rainbows. It... happens when life is tough. When we're forced to rely upon God through prayer just to make it through the day."
The apostle Paul explained two benefits of right standing with God: persevering and rejoicing in suffering (Romans 5:3-4). These two benefits weren't a call to endure suffering with stoic fortitude or to find pleasure in pain. It was an invitation to unshakable confidence in God. Suffering plus Christ cultivates "perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (vv. 3-4). This all flows from a faith that the Father won't abandon us but will walk with us through the fire and into the future.
God meets us in our suffering and helps us grow in Him. Rather than viewing afflictions as His disfavor, may we look for ways He's using them to sharpen and build our character as we experience His love "poured out into our hearts" (v. 5). - By Marvin Williams
What needs to change in your heart and mind for you to handle suffering in Jesus' strength? What's one practical way you can persevere through and rejoice in challenges this week?
Jesus, may I find hope and joy in You as You provide what I need to persevere in this life.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
Dan was riding his motorcycle when a car swerved into his lane and pushed him into oncoming traffic. When he woke up two weeks later in the trauma center, he was "a mess." Worst of all, he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him a paraplegic. Dan prayed for healing, but it never came. Instead, he believes God has compassionately taught him that "the purpose of this life is that we become conformed to the image of Christ. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen when everything is unicorns and rainbows. It... happens when life is tough. When we're forced to rely upon God through prayer just to make it through the day."
The apostle Paul explained two benefits of right standing with God: persevering and rejoicing in suffering (Romans 5:3-4). These two benefits weren't a call to endure suffering with stoic fortitude or to find pleasure in pain. It was an invitation to unshakable confidence in God. Suffering plus Christ cultivates "perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (vv. 3-4). This all flows from a faith that the Father won't abandon us but will walk with us through the fire and into the future.
God meets us in our suffering and helps us grow in Him. Rather than viewing afflictions as His disfavor, may we look for ways He's using them to sharpen and build our character as we experience His love "poured out into our hearts" (v. 5). - By Marvin Williams
What needs to change in your heart and mind for you to handle suffering in Jesus' strength? What's one practical way you can persevere through and rejoice in challenges this week?
Jesus, may I find hope and joy in You as You provide what I need to persevere in this life.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
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January
This Year, Glorify God And Enjoy HimHow To Be Fruitful (1)How To Be Fruitful (2)How To Be Fruitful (3)How To Be Fruitful (4)How To Be Fruitful (5)Don't Lose Your JoyThe Pharisee And The ProstituteBecome A WorshiperPeople With A Past (1)People With A Past (2)People With A Past (3)Acknowledging God's SovereigntyDon't Let Your Feelings Control YouLearning From LepersForgive Your Parents (1)Forgive Your Parents (2)Stick With God's Plan (1)Stick With God's Plan (2)Become A ConduitHave You Sinned? God Will Forgive YouHeaven Is RealBe A Restorer (1)Be A Restorer (2)Self-ControlYoked Together With JesusLiving By FaithChoose PeaceSay No To SinBe Courageous (1)Be Courageous (2)
February
Love Wherever We GoA Humble PostureA Fresh StartThe Wonder of CreationNot for Our ComfortSweet SleepGetting What We WantSuccess and SacrificeMortality and HumilityHis Amazing HelpThe Voice of the FatherLiving by FaithNot ForgottenThe Power of LoveWe Are OneWise AdviceBeing SeenLiftSpotting GodLeaning Into GodNever Say "Can't"Love Your Loved OnesThe Challenge of the StarsFollow the LeaderAvoid the DoorPart of the FamilyThe Joy of Good NewsChoosing Celebration
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How To Be Financially SecureWho Are You Depending On?God Speaks To You Through His WordLike Seeds Growing Within YouThe Smell Of SinBe Passionate About It! (1)Be Passionate About It! (2)Be Passionate About It! (3)Leaning On Your Own StaffAim For The MarkBe FaithfulGod's DNA Is In His WordDon't Withhold It--Give It!Do It TodayWork It OutHow God Changes Us (1)How God Changes Us (2)Think Right, Live RightWhat Does It Mean To Meditate?A Love For God's WordUnderstanding God's Love For YouIntercede With God For ThemDress For SuccessFeeling Good About YourselfUse Your FaithConquering SelfishnessWhen You Die (1)When You Die (2)When You Die (3)When You Die (4)When You Die (5)
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