"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next." Romans 5:3-5

My dad used to tell me that nothing bad could ever happen to a Christian. What? That used to make no sense to me and he would get nasty responses from other people who would hear him say it. Bad things happen to Christians all the time. You probably have something in your own life that hurts to even think about. But when you read Romans 5:3-5 my dad's crazy statement starts to make sense.

No matter what happens in your life, anything at all, God will use that trial or hurtful experience to build patience and virtue in your life. Bad things happen, that's for sure, but God turns those bad things in to incredible things like patience and virtue. Which just happen to be two of the greatest qualities a Christian can have!

Virtue, in fact, means the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. How cool is that! When you go through hurtful times in your life, and then you allow Christ to turn them into something virtuous—you get a stronger and more dedicated ability to do what is right. Bad things will come your way, the good news however, is that Christ will not let them stay bad for long. He will use them to ultimately make your life better and the lives of the people around you. Don't be surprised if Christ uses you to help someone who's going through something you went through (but made it through).

CHECK IT

1. How has Christ turned something bad in your life into something good?



2. What do you think God has planned for your life because of the hurts you've experienced?



3. Who do you know, in your circle of friends, that could really use your help because of something you've overcome in life?

For more information on Michael and Amy Smalley and The Smalley Marriage and Family Center please visit www.smalleymarriagecenter.com

© Copyright 2007 Smalley Relationship Center

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