“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. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3–5).
The reason you can rejoice when tough challenges arise isn’t because suffering makes you more acceptable to God. He isn’t a sadist, and He isn’t training you to be one, either. You can still rejoice when you’re facing difficulty because God’s grace to deal with every stressful situation is infinitely greater than the situation itself.
Every time the enemy takes a shot at you, it’s an opportunity to experience God’s presence and provision in far more powerful ways than the attack. With every failure, rejection, and trial you deal with, there’s an invitation to overcome it with boundless measures of His grace, love, and joy. And every time you respond to God’s provision rather than react to the enemy’s depletion, you are becoming more powerful, peaceful, and persevering.
Breathe. Smile. Take your next step in joyful confidence. Whether today is wonderful or difficult, you are completely loved.
“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:23-26).
Equip Your Spirit 