Even though your body may waste away under painful trials, or is threatened with death, your spiritual strength can be constantly renewed by Christ. Trials remind you of your dependence on God. Give in to your trials and you begin to turn away from him, but remain faithful and pray to the Lord and your appeals will be heard. You, and your faith, will be strengthened as a result. Overcome your trials.
My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. James 1:2-3
So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10
So hold on through your sufferings, because they are like a father’s discipline. God is treating you as children. All children are disciplined by their fathers. Hebrews 12:7
A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased. 1 Peter 2:19
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.
Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.
