³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ⁵ 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

Dear God, when I think of the sorrows in my life, while I don’t like them at all, I can definitely see where they have made me a more humble, loving person. I’m much less judgmental that I would otherwise be. I can clearly see the aspect of “prosperity gospel” in the idea that there’s a formula for living your life a certain way and then having things turn out the way you want them to. I was talking with a mom recently who has been through drug/alcohol/suicidal ideation issues with her son. She told me that she had a friend two years ago whose son had to go to a drug treatment center, and she judged this friend for her son being in that situation. Now that she’s been through something similar, she’s a different person towards that friend. Her heart softened and changed. It’s more loving, understanding and forgiving.

The other part of this is the idea of developing endurance. As American Christians, we are soft. We see someone promoting a non-Christian agenda and we freak out, calling it religious persecution. “You’re saying, ‘Happy Holidays,’ instead of, “Merry Christmas.’ Aaaaa! I’m being persecuted!” “There’s an LGBTQ rights march in my town square. Aaaaa! I’m being persecuted!” But there are literally people who have been tortured and killed and are currently being tortured and killed for their faith in you. But even the little struggles I have make me stronger. They make me more durable. I’ve been doing a lot of cycling over the last three months. I’ve been mixing in some really hard workouts with some easier recovery rides. I want my body to be able to push through pain and get stronger while also having the muscle memory of what it’s like to be in for an endurance ride. None of that will happen if I rest myself on the sofa and never push through the pain.

Father, I’m not going to go out looking for pain. Life will bring enough of that. At the same time, I don’t want to run from it. I want to walk the path you’ve given me to walk. I want to have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, but I also want to have the courage to change the things I can. If it were easy, I wouldn’t need courage. Please give me the wisdom to know the difference, and to persevere and rest in you when life’s trials come my way. If there is to be pain, make it count for your glory and my growth.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen