We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

—Romans 5:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I remember the Corrie ten Boom phrase, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister to and visit those being persecuted. The deplorable conditions and her sufferings allowed her to show and share the love of Jesus authentically. In the earliest days of the church, the apostles rejoiced "because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" of Jesus! Their willingness to suffer for Christ opened some people's hearts to believe because they could see that their hope in Jesus wasn't just something they preached, but also something they lived! Even in the worst of suffering, God can bring blessings through those who know that life's goal is character, not comfort. And that character gives us hope for our future with Jesus!

My Prayer...

Mighty God, I confess that I get impatient and frustrated with difficulty, pain, and especially unjust suffering. Please give me more compassion and a better listening ear so that I may bless those who need your love and grace, regardless of the personal cost or personal suffering inflicted upon me. Please bless me with strength to find joy in the difficulties, suffering, and pain of breaking through the barriers the evil one tries to place in the way to keep others from knowing Jesus. In the Savior's name, I pray to rejoice even in sufferings. Amen.