Patience: Thursday January 21

Thursday - Romans 5:1-5
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

This is the process of Christian growth. Often we look for ways out of difficult situations or ways to make ourselves feel better in their midst. We want to feel "normal" and comfortable. Often it is hard to understand the blessing in being challenged and, as a result, growing out of comfort areas and into a stronger self. It is too easy for us to live life inside a room full of closed doors we have never given ourselves permission to open.

Do you look for God's lesson when you deal with trials or do you look for a way out?

Prayer: Ask God to grow you and expand your experiences. Pray that he would teach you his way through your trials.