Today's Devotional

May 3, 2005

Subject:  God's Character-Building Process

Romans 5:3-4 - "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

I thought about something in the gym this morning when I was lifting a mere 10 pounds during my workout.  While the weight was indeed a light lift for me, the longer I lifted that weight, the heavier it got and I know from experience that as that weight got heavier, it was working my muscles more intensely and with that intensity comes gains in strength and muscular development.  This happens in the physical realm, but the exact same principle is one that God has developed in the spiritual realm. 

We would love for our "resistance exercises" in life to happen for a short while and be over with, but God knows that the only real way to build spiritual muscle is to keep us lifting that "10 pound trial" for just a little bit longer.  When the muscle has been totally exhausted, then He lets us rest before starting the next "exercise."  Okay enough of the figurative speech.

The trials and tribulations you face in life are simply part of God's character-building process.  They build patience and strength to endure and that in turn gives you a testimony through the experiences of life and once you've "been there and done that," you have confidence and hope in an Almighty God to deliver you through the upcoming trials and circumstances of life.

So today if you think the load you're lifting is too heavy, think about the muscles and strength you're gaining.  The physical exercise is good for this life, but the type of muscle you're building is forever.

Carlen