By Greg Laurie
"But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation
produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character,
hope." —Romans 5:3–4
Perhaps the hardships of today are preparing you for great
opportunities tomorrow.
Warren
Wiersbe quotes a professor of history who said, "If Columbus had turned
back, nobody would have blamed him, but nobody would have remembered him
either." Wiersbe concludes, "If you want to be memorable, sometimes
you have to be miserable."
We all
know the story of Job. I don't know of many people who suffered more than him,
with the loss of his possessions, health and, worst of all, his children. Yet
his faith remained intact and even grew stronger.
You
might say, "I could never handle the things Job faced! In fact, I can't
handle suffering at all." Don't worry; God will give you what you need
when you need it.
Not
before. Never after. When you need it.
Corrie
Ten Boom used to tell a story:
"When I was a little girl, I went to my father and said,
'Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus
Christ.'"
"Tell me," said Father, "When we take a train trip
to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks
before?"
"No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before
we get on the train."
"That is right," my father said, "and so it is with
God's strength. Our Father in heaven knows when you will need the strength to
be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need—just in time. .
."
We may
not be called to be martyrs, but we will all suffer in life. God will give us
what we need when we need it. Not before. Never after.
Just in
time.
