We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. —Romans 5:3–4
What would you think of a novel where the main character goes through difficult circumstances only to come out unchanged, without having learned anything? It would be disappointing, right?
Your story isn’t about God giving you an uneventful joyride to heaven. It is about His kingdom coming and His will being done on earth—in us!—as it is in heaven. It is about preparing and fitting us for eternity. And it is about changing us, growing us up from immature, self-absorbed, whining, sinning brats into mature, Christ-absorbed, God-exalting, grateful, obedient followers and friends. Like all good stories, it is about transformation—and that won’t happen without some hard things.
So, how do we respond to what He’s writing? Well first, look up and be strengthened by a vision of God’s purposes. And then, look ahead. Hold fast to His promises, and hope will spring up in your heart.
Today, are you willing to be changed by God’s plans for you?
Make it Personal
How has God used hard things in your life to transform you into the person He wants you to be?