APRIL 9, 2012
Hope For A “Mudder”
Read: James 1:2-4
Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. —Romans 5:3-4
When my husband built a covered porch on the front of
our house, he anticipated that someday a bird might try
to build a nest there. So he built the top of the corner
post on a slant. Later we laughed smugly when we saw
robins trying their best to claim squatting rights to a new
home. Piles of grass on the porch revealed their wasted
efforts. But after 2 days of steady rain, we saw that a nest
had indeed appeared in the very spot we thought was
impossible. Because of the rain, Mrs. Robin was able to mix
up a batch of mud mortar. Weaving it with twigs and grass,
our determined feathered friend had built herself a new nest.
She had persevered.
Perseverance is inspiring! Trying to live a Christ-honoring
life while experiencing hardship can leave us frustrated
and discouraged. But when we depend on God to help us
through our difficulties, we are empowered to keep going
even when we can’t always see the resolution of our problems. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow “weary while doing good”
and encourages us not to give up.
Is our loving God using a seemingly insurmountable challenge
in your life to produce perseverance? Let Him produce in you
character, and through character, hope (Rom. 5:3-4).
When trials intrude to slow down your life,
It would be easy for you to give in;
But by perseverance you’ll overcome strife,
So just keep on plodding—with Christ you can win. —Branon
When the world says, “Give up,” hope whispers,
“Try it one more time!”
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
