Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Rom. 5:3–4)
Expanded Passage: Romans 5:3-5
I was struggling with my new electric vehicle. Sometimes my car would seem to have a mind of its own and I’d have to fight for control. One day, while giving my brother a ride, he witnessed my battle. I’d turn the steering wheel one way and the car would pull in the opposite direction. This made for a jerky ride! After a few miles my brother said, “I see you’re fighting with the car.” “Yes, this happens all the time,” I complained. My brother explained that I had pushed the “autopilot” button and had therefore given the car permission to keep me in the middle of the lane; all I had to do was lightly touch the steering wheel and let the car do the work. With my brother’s guidance, I stopped struggling with the steering wheel and relaxed my grip. Immediately the ride became smooth. I had given the car permission to do a job, but then I’d fought for control.
Isn’t this just how we are with God? We say that we give him control of our lives, then refuse to surrender. There will always be challenges, but when we turn our lives over to God and allow him to take charge, the ride will be smoother and we’ll gain character and hope.
Allow the Holy Spirit to grow you through every experience.
Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
