Friday, June 6, 2025
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
Romans 5:3–5
MEMORY VERSE
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
— Romans 5:3–4
LET’S TALK REAL LIFE FOR A MINUTE
Have you ever tried running after a long break and ended up gasping for air, legs burning, questioning all your life choices?
That’s the exact picture Paul paints about our faith journey.
He’s saying: Don’t be surprised when life makes you “ngos-ngosan” — out of breath, tired, stressed.
That doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It might actually mean you’re growing.
FAITH BUILT UNDER PRESSURE
Just like athletes need pressure to grow stronger, our faith needs resistance too.
Here’s what Paul teaches us:
- Suffering produces perseverance.
When life hits hard and we keep showing up — even with shaky prayers and tired hearts — we’re building spiritual stamina. - Perseverance builds character.
In those moments when you feel stretched, tested, and broken, God is actually forming you — deepening your trust, sharpening your values, and maturing your heart. - Character leads to hope.
Not just vague optimism — but tested hope. A kind of hope that knows: “I’ve been through stuff… and I’ve seen God show up.”
A hope that’s not cheap — but solid. Unshakable.
BUT WAIT, WHY WOULD GOD ALLOW ALL THIS?
It’s easy to think: If God loves me, why would He allow so much discomfort or even suffering?
Here’s the truth:
Because He loves you enough to grow your heart, not just protect your comfort.
God’s not trying to break you. He’s building you.
He’s not ignoring you — He’s stretching you so that you can carry more of what He’s prepared for you.
Yes, it’s hard. But it’s holy hard.
YOUR PAIN HAS PURPOSE
The next time you feel exhausted — emotionally, physically, or spiritually — remember:
- God sees you.
- He’s with you in it.
- And your pain is not pointless.
There’s gold being refined in you.
There’s endurance being formed.
There’s a deeper, tested hope that shines brighter than anything you’ll find in ease.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY
- What’s one current hardship or pressure that’s wearing you down?
- Can you see how God might be forming something deeper in you through it?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, when I feel like giving up, remind me that You’re doing something deeper in me. Thank You that my suffering is not wasted. Grow my endurance, shape my character, and root my hope in You. Even when I’m struggling, help me to trust that You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
Pause and reframe your struggle:
Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?”
Ask, “What is God doing in me through this?”
TODAY’S TRUTH TO HOLD ON TO
Hope that is born out of hardship shines brighter than hope born out of ease.
