Giving My Best: A 5-Day Devotional When Life Is Hard by Dr. Michele C. WalkerSample

Day 3: That Enduring Standard

Romans 5:3 (NLT)

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure.

God always has more in mind than we can see. While we’re usually focused on getting this “thing” over with, God wants to develop us from the inside out. He wants us to go through - well. To do that, we have to find the joy He has for us in our journey.

Following God means learning to be flexible. I don’t know about you, but this is a tough one for me. My first reaction is not to get giddy. I'm all about trying to control my circumstances, making something happen, and helping God out. But that’s not His way. He’s invested in our spiritual development and uses life experiences to draw us closer to Him, to build our character, and to teach us to wait well.

In Romans Chapter 4, we're reminded that God will bring "into existence what did not exist before" (verse 17); and in Chapter 5, we're charged to persevere. That’s the example we have from Abraham as we learn about his faith. He simply believed God. He endured his trials and limitations because he was certain that God would respond as promised. How else could a man of 100 years trust that he would become a father, not just of children, but of nations of children when his wife had long been barren? Abraham's trials were for our benefit (Romans 4:23-24). The way we go through our trials can benefit others, too.

God will help us:

• Develop bigger dreams. Once we start dreaming, God will exceed our expectations (Ephesians 3:20).
• Expect His response. God is all about action. When we step out, He responds (1 John 5:14&15).
• Accept His "No." It's an important part of the journey (2 Corinthians 12:7b-9).
• Press past hard. God promises that staying the course will be worth it (Hebrews 10:36).
• Encourage others. While we’re going through our trials God will allow us to help others go through their own (2 Corinthians 1:4).

We can learn to give God our best as we go beyond the basics and raise the standard of our thoughts, dreams, and actions. That’s when rejoicing will come naturally.

What are you expecting from God and yourself?

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank you for challenging us to raise the bar of our expectations and actions to honor You as we go through trials. In Jesus’ name, Amen.