*And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope (Romans 5:3-4 [show] More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (ESV)
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*Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? (Matt. 24:45 [show] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? (ESV)
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Today there is someone who feels as though they are in the wrong place. There is, at this moment, a person who feels that they have been punished for far too long… that their faith has been tested and their redemption is being stripped at the seams. Today, there is someone who needs to know that God is not a God of famine… God is not a God of disorder and confusion. Today, someone needs to be reassured that God is not a God of vindication and that His love is not conditional.

Right now, someone needs to know that through the trials God allows in our lives, we are built into children of the Almighty and trained to fight in the Army of the Lord. Right now, someone is yearning to learn that the path to hope is tribulation! God’s Word tells us that through tribulation, we learn patience… and through patience, we gain experience… and through experience, we build hope. Right now, we need to thank God for the trials and tribulations that He has blessed us with, because through our struggles, we find hope… and through hope, we find faith… and through faith, we seek God and through God, we have peace!

*Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matt. 5:4 [show] "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (ESV)
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*And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Matt. 8:26 [show] And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (ESV)
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At the weakest time in our lives, God gives us strength to push on and press to find our means to completion. When we feel as though we cannot go on, His grace provides what we need to persevere. We serve a God whose authority is over all of creation, and He has given us the power over our obstacles through the blood of Jesus Christ just by the simple calling of His name. Today, remember that it is not in waiting for your season that you will find peace… it is in giving thanks for the season in which we have been placed RIGHT NOW that we find peace. Giving thanks for this season helps build what God needs in us for our purpose in the season to come.

Perseverance | Faith | Character | Humility | Compassion | Submission

* Written by Kathleen Robertson March 1, 2007