“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” (Romans 5:3, NLT)
The only way to become a successful long-distance runner is to put in the miles over a period of time. Anything less, and the runner fails because he or she lacks endurance.
God is building into us endurance (perseverance) through various problems and trials as a track coach might send his runners over rough, hilly, trails; and through spongy meadows, knowing that in order to overcome, a runner must first endure.
God is fitting each one of us for His purposes. Trials and problems come into our life only with God’s permission. He permits them only to the extent that they are necessary to run the course we cannot yet see — or to run beside the individual we have not yet met.
When we recall that it is God’s plan, we can rejoice. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 