Obstacles That Strengthen

Quite frankly, I want the easy way out. Often I find myself grumbling because of a hurdle of inconvenience; I go to the laundromat but I forgot the soap or I need to cook dinner but the dishes are all dirty and my kid's are fighting. These little trifles are tests that prepare me for true hardships.

"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." James 1:3-4

As the world changes around us, it is not hard to imagine a storm of epic proportion blowing ashore on the beach of our lives. Every passing drizzle, every stubbed toe, God can use to prepare us; let's become stronger by the power of His Spirit and thank Him for these strengthening obstacles.

Ponder this: Corrie Ten Boom calls her life a "perfect preparation" for the major trial of the concentration camp. She needed to trust God like she trusted her father, and she needed to care for others in spite of her own pain. In what ways could your current trials be strengthening you?

My prayer: Lord make me strong and resilient through your refining trials. May I not complain and waste the opportunity to glorify You!

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a surrendered life

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