“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” — Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
There isn’t anyone alive who hasn’t faced problems during their lifetime. We all face problems — or, if you prefer, call them trials and tribulations or sufferings and afflictions. We all have them.
Probably not too many of us can say we have rejoiced during those unforgettable periods of our life. Perhaps even fewer could say it was beneficial going through that trial. But there are always benefits of any trial we go through, even if we fail or refuse to see and acknowledge them. God’s hand is involved in all things in this world, and that includes our individual lives. He will work it out for good (Romans 8:28).
The apostle Paul says we can rejoice during our problems and trials (verse above). He is one who is qualified to make such a statement, for he had his fair share of problems in life. Paul says our problems help us develop endurance. We learn to endure, holding fast in our situation if we don’t give up. This develops strength, both physically and in our character.
Professional athletes face times when endurance is essential to get them to the next level or to rehabilitate an injury. Our newly developed character is what is needed to get us through. It is what others need as they witness our strength in character despite our circumstances. This character strengthens our hope in God, and the confident hope of our salvation through Christ.
Trials, and all sorts of problems, are not what we look forward to in life. But they come to all of us when we least expect it. After the initial shock wears off, look to the Lord God for His purpose in it, and rejoice that He has your best interest at heart. It is only then that you can look forward to developing endurance, strength of character, and a confident hope in the God of your salvation.
Don’t stop there, but share your rejoicing with others. They have problems too.
— Loring Schultz
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
