"We also glory in tribulations, KNOWING that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
I love this verse. What I love about it, is the declaration that we already have "insider information" to what we will attain when we go through trials. Doesn't that bring you comfort? To know that when a trial comes, even if you don't know the particular outcome of your situation, you KNOW that if you are a child of God, that he will give you perseverance, and that perseverance will turn into character, and that character hope. Sit on that for a moment. When was the last time you realized that your God will supply you with all the perseverance you could need to endure the trial you're facing? Have you ever met a person going through a difficult time that would turn down perseverance? Yet so often we ignore this truth- that if we give God the glory to do his work in us while we're facing difficulty, we will receive the blessing of perseverance. Oh God, that that might NEVER be me!
While I in no means would choose to go through another hurricane/freak storm, I am so thankful for the opportunity to be sanctified. My patience is thin some days, I take for granted the luxuries I have, and I rely too heavily on myself. Nine days without power can test anyone's patience. In the big scheme of things, no lights, no TV, no oven/stove/dishwasher/laundry is really nothing. People get by on much less, all the time in this world. My own ability doesn't get me very far in these instances- I can't command the power to come back, and I can't turn water into wine. However, there is one who can, and it's only by His grace we endured.
I find it rather ironic that He can take something away, and in return be given much more. No power for all that time and yet, we were blessed in so many ways:
-Prayers from family and friends all over.
-A chance to escape to my folks who welcomed us last minute.
-Neighbors checking in on one another and taking care of each other.
-Finding gas easily in Connecticut, and bringing it back for those in need.
-Finding a generator when it appeared we wouldn't.
-Reconnecting as a family.
-Watching our children take on helpful attitudes.
-Seeing God answer prayer.
-Not feeling deprived or upset, just relishing the abundance of what we DO have.
-Realizing AGAIN, that it's NOT ABOUT THE STUFF, but about the people.
No trial is too small to bring to mind this scripture, next time you're facing one. You can KNOW this- your trial produces perseverance, then character, then hope.
Be blessed-
