“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” – Romans 5:3-5a (NLT)
Daily Meditation: Psalm 31, Mark 10:17-31
Rejoice when we run into problems and trials? Are you kidding me? How can pain, the frantic pace of my day, and all kinds of pressure produce anything good in my life? “It gets old!” That’s how I feel at times. But there is good in it somewhere; there always is, for “endurance develops strength of character,” and we all want that. Even if the situation seems utterly impossible, we can cling to the fact that “this hope will not lead to disappointment.” I like that! I’m learning to stay quiet and hold on… and to rejoice more and more in the journey.
Even though some seasons are indeed hurtful, lengthy, and maybe even off-the-charts crazy, it’s during those same seasons that the fruit of character is being produced in me, fruit that I’ll get to enjoy for days to come. It’s always darkest before the light. I have cried tears of deep pain, tears that seemed to burn up before they hit the ground. At times I have felt desperate, believed the situation was unjust, and been thoroughly convinced that there was no chance for any good to come from the pain. So I thought, but good did come. It always does. Remember: “This too shall pass.”
“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” – Corrie ten Boom
Be fearless: Our heavenly Father will always be there, holding our hands, never letting go, and always caring about our holiness before our happiness. Take that next step forward. Good is coming!
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year!
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.