A Bigger Picture
Sometimes because of faulty decision making or maybe just the press of multiple circumstances, we find ourselves tired, discouraged, and a little burned out. Yes, a vacation or a weekend away might help. But it may not be a change of scenery we need as much as a change of perspective. Romans 5:3-4 provides that very thing: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Paul is saying, Stand the test, friends. For the end is in sight. Hope is on the horizon. Sometimes we think of the suffering in Romans 5 as huge life catastrophes. We forget that God’s grace-giving power is mostly for every-day sorts of tests and trials.
What are your tests today? Where do you need perseverance, staying power, hope? Ask God to help you step back and see a bigger picture than the trial right in front of your nose. He uses everything in our lives to mold our characters and make us more like His Son.
Taken from Joni’s A Spectacle of Glory devotional.
