THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7
“Problems
and trials…are good for us.” Ro 5:3 NLT TLB
WHAT
YOU LEARN IN TOUGH TIMES
We all want “the crown of life” the Lord promised
(Jas 1:12 NKJV)—but we don’t want the “problems and trials” that develop “strength
of character in us” (Ro 5:4 NLT). But it can’t be done. Here’s what you learn
in tough times: (1) Enjoyment. “Count
it all joy when you fall into…trials” (Jas 1:2 NKJV). It’s when you pass God’s
test that He fills you with His joy. So pull of some of the groans out of your
prayers and throw in a few hallelujahs. Remember, pain is inevitable—misery is
optional! (2) Enlargement. The
Psalmist wrote, “Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Ps 4:1). Most
of the things we know best, we learned the hard way. Our greatest progress
comes from our greatest pain; hence God doesn’t save us from it but strengthens
us in it. (3) Enlightenment. The
Bible says, “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness” (Ps 112:4
NKJV). We don’t realize how little we know until we walk through life’s dark
places and God turns on the light. (4)
Endurance. James writes, “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield
its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too,
be patient and stand firm” (Jas 5:7-8 NIV). You can’t shorten the seasons or
hurry the harvest, so be patient. And pay attention. While you’re waiting, God
is working. Bruce Wilkinson says, “Tests of faith are trials and hardships that
invite you to surrender something of great value to God, even when you have
every right not to.”
Taken
from the Word for you Today devotional
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