Romans 5:3
3 We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience.
Have you ever seen a video compilation of people falling because they are doing dumb things? We tend to laugh at these… but it’s different when we are the ones falling. While today’s verse does not say we should laugh when we get hurt, it does show us that we can have joy even when we go through difficulties.
It also does not mean that we are happy because we are suffering, but rather that we use the trouble that we go through as a way to grow. Sometimes our difficulties lie very close to our hearts and it affects our family. Sometimes it’s very personal (especially when it seems as if nothing is going right), but God is present. If we go through difficult times, it also teaches us to trust in God and in this way our character grows.
We must not give up on our faith, but rather we should keep on relying on God’s good plans (even though we may not know the good that God has in mind for us). This will make us people who make it clear to others that Jesus has radically changed our lives.
Don’t give up, it shows how Jesus changed us.
Prayer: Lord, You know the difficulties I’m currently experiencing. You know what parts of my heart are broken, but help me to focus on You. Please give me the strength stay joyful because you are present.
Challenge: Be brave today and share a difficulty of yours with a close friend or relative. Ask them to pray with you and trust that God will be your guide through it all.
