Listen

But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

Think

Christians are unusual. At our best, we don’t complain when bad things happen to us; instead, as Paul says, we take pride in our problems. All people suffer, of course, but with the Holy Spirit in our lives the suffering of Christ’s followers can be transformed into something creative and positive. When Christians suffer we become stronger and more enduring with God’s help. And our ability to endure physical and emotional pain leads not to numbness or bitterness, but to Christ-like character and integrity.

A wise pastor was once asked, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” He replied, “I don’t know. But I do know what happens when bad things happen to good people: they become better people.” Through adversity Christians become people of even better character. As we lives of greater integrity, closer to the life Jesus lived, we find more of the same hope he had.

Are you suffering today? Don’t be discouraged. Ask God to pour love into your heart through the Holy Spirit so your suffering may lead to hope.

Jeff Gibelius

Pray

Holy Spirit, walk with me in my suffering and setbacks today. Teach me to endure. Build character in me. Fill me with the hope that comes from an outpouring of your love. With your help I can overcome any obstacle life puts in the way of your will. Amen.

Go

God’s Spirit is with you right now, closer than the air you are breathing. You don’t have to chase after God; simply be with God today. Let God’s Spirit fill you and guide you. Take joy in knowing that God is walking with you, and that you can walk in God’s Spirit.