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A Step in the Process

Bless is the man whom You instruct, O Lord.  Psalm 94:12

 

A child develops muscles through exercise. Only when our muscles encounter resistance do they become stronger.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that we only become stronger spiritiually through exercise--through using our spiritual muscles to meet the challenges of life. This is especially true when we face suffering and affliction, for they are one way God makes us strong. One reason God allows suffering to come to His people, the Bible says, is to discipline, chasten, and mold us.

In the last essay he wrote before he died, the great Christian writer C. S. Lewis said, "We have no right to happiness; only an obligation to do our duty." Sometimes our God-given duty will include suffering. When it does, ask God to teach you through it. Remember the psalmist's words quoted above: "Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord."

From, Hope for Each Day ; Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.