40 Reasons God DELIGHTS in YOU

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Reasons God DELIGHTS in YOU
Day 38 | TOUGH TIMES – CAN BE USED BY GOD
TOUGH TIMES – CAN BE USED BY GOD

Romans 5:3-4

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.” (TLB)

Do you work out? Do you do anything for exercise? And if so, why? (And if not, why not?)
Doctors and physiologists say no matter our age or strength level; everyone can benefit from doing appropriate exercises.

So why do people often put off starting a new exercise program? Probably because they are at least somewhat out of shape and know that they will have at least a few aches and pains when they start up (and most people avoid pain like the plague)!

Sometimes we even back away from God when the going gets tough. We don’t like the pain, the problems, or the trials that come our way from time to time.

Know that no pain, trial, problem, loss, or difficult hurt happens to you without God knowing. He knows, He sees, He cares. But also – as Paul points out – like a good “personal trainer” at the gym, He knows that the “problems and trials” we run into can help us – in the long run – to be patient. And as Paul teaches, patience develops STRENGTH and helps us TRUST GOD more.

I know no one likes pain… physical or emotional/spiritual. But it is one way in which we can GROW.

If you’re in pain now, are you trusting God? Are you trying to? Do you wonder WHY whatever has happened, did? That’s normal and understandable. And, you and I may not get those answers in this life. My encouragement to you, keep looking UP! Trust God.

Prayer: LORD, I obviously don’t know everything You’re up to and why you let happen the things that happen, but I’m trusting YOU to work it all out for Your glory! Amen.