TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV 1984)

Read: Romans 5:1-10

Listen: Romans 5

TODAY'S MESSAGE

Jacob still has so much growing to do when God invited him into his redemptive story. He doesn’t have to clean up the mess before he comes to God but comes to God with his mess. Circumstantially, things don’t necessarily get better for Jacob. His uncle will take advantage of him, he’ll have significant tension between his wives, have a long season of infertility, and his beloved wife Rachel dies in childbirth. The point is, we’re all in process. God doesn’t rescue us when we’re perfect… he rescues us when we’re needy.

Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5 how God came for us while we were still sinners. The challenges God allows in our lives are intended to help us grow to become more like Jesus. Just because we walk with Jesus doesn’t mean our circumstances are going to be perfect. In fact, many times they are more challenging. But the goal is not perfect circumstances—the goal is the formation of your character. We are being made in the image of Christ Jesus.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Offer a prayer to God today thanking him for coming for you, even before you desired him to rescue you. Secondly, offer a prayer asking God for the courage to keep following him even when the path is hard.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.