"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." Romans 5:3,4
While standing in flip-flops at the accountants' office counter to pick up some forms for work, I heard a voice behind me ask, "Did you get sunburned this weekend?" Turning around, I noticed the clerk sitting behind me looking downwards. "No, I don't think so, why?" I said to which she replied, "The backs of your ankles are red." Laughing, I explained to her that they weren't sunburned but scarred from many years and many miles of running where each pair of shoes worn had left their mark. I then gladly showed her the scars on the insides of my ankles as well and shared how running hadn't always been easy or painless but, because it allowed me to share Christ with others, was worth every footstep. So was I proud of these scars? You bet.
You know physical scars are simply the outward evidence of healed wounds-signs that what once was hurt has now been restored. And, as is the same with emotional scars, the problems and trials that created them all serve a purpose (whether we realize it at the time or not). In fact the purpose of problems and trials is so great that the Bible tells us that we should rejoice over them knowing, "that they help us develop endurance." And that endurance strengthens our character which in turn strengthens our faith. How is that for a purpose worthy of receiving a battle wound?
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would have a purpose for our trials, sorrows and hardships. Help us to remember that each time we encounter these things, we are made stronger and our faith even stronger still. May we boldly show our scars to the world as proof that You Lord can heal any wound. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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