More than that,

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,

because God’s love

   has been poured into our hearts

   through the Holy Spirit 

who has been given to us.

                  Romans 5. 3-5

(What does rejoicing 

     look like in hardship?

The change comes about

     when we stop asking 

          “Why, God?”

and start asking, “What, God?”

     looking to  

              what God brings to it:

       strength upon strength.

How do we approach this

                differently 

    because we are believers?

Not just knowing 

      God can use this,

but that He is already redeeming

        in multiple dimensions 

        and in layers of people.

Rejoicing does not deny the truth

     with the glittery guise of

       “Look on the bright side!!!!”

   but faces reality 

       by looking to God

      and “Trusting Me in this.”

There is not just

        a reason for it (rational),

        purpose in it (utilitarian),

but hope on which we can

      stake our lives (eternal).

O LORD, 

Others are always watching,

not to see if we succeed,

but to see how we respond

when life is hard and harder,

desperate to know

       that You are real after all.

Build Your strength upon strength 

      in us through the uphills,

the rocky paths,

when things don’t go OUR way,

the mysteries and      

               disappointments.

Help us to choose to rejoice, 

even when we can’t see 

            the path or other side,

 knowing fully that

You produce Your strength in us,

       and worry

             —always and only—

             produces despair.