Growing Stronger in Adversity

Your hardships aren’t defeating you

They are making you stronger.

Paul explains this plainly:

“We rejoice in our sufferings,

knowing that suffering produces endurance,

and endurance produces character,

and character produces hope,

and hope does not put us to shame….” (Romans 5:3–5, ESV)

You’re an NFL football player in spring training.

No one is on the field right now.

No touchdown passes are being tossed.

No last second field goals are being kicked.

But the days in the weight room—

Hidden days of strain and pain—

Build the muscle that wins games

On bright fall afternoons.

Every hardship you face

Gives you the chance to persevere.

And every time you persevere,

You put muscle into your character.

You change on the inside

And become a person

Of Hope—one who sees a bright future.

So, I bless you to rejoice at the

Hardships,

And trials,

And every challenges today.

Because, tomorrow, you

Are stronger.