God Doesn’t Waste Anything - Encouragement Café - July 11, 2016

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God Doesn’t Waste Anything
By Julie Denker
Monday, July 11, 2016

 “…but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  Romans 5: 3-4 NIV

In 1961 I was born in the classroom of perseverance 101.  Arriving 10 weeks early and only weighing two pounds, each breath I took was another opportunity to exercise my perseverance muscle.  When kids are supposed to be able to walk, I couldn’t, and the doctors diagnosed me with cerebral palsy.

One of the best things my parents did for me when I was growing up was to always encourage me when I wanted to try something physical.  I have many fun memories of playing catch with my dad, basketball with neighborhood kids, and football with my brothers.  Because I jumped in with both feet, so to speak, physical activity has helped me develop a determination and perseverance that has benefitted me greatly in other areas of life, too.

While I grew up going to church, I didn’t know God personally until I was 19.  Before that basketball was my god, morning, noon, and night.  Back then I didn’t know that Scripture talked about perseverance.  As I have grown in my walk with the Lord, I have learned more and more about this great quality.

One of my favorite scripture passages is found in Romans 5 where it talks about the progression of being able to glory in our suffering because suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character; and character hope.

In God’s economy He doesn’t waste anything and that includes my life with cerebral palsy.

• What area of weakness in your life are you fighting against? 
• Ask God to show you how to persevere in that.  And give thanks that you need Him and know Him. 
• Where do you think God is asking you to persevere? 
• If you’re a mom, how can you teach your kids to persevere?

Father, thank You that You are sovereign and in control.  That nothing comes into my life or anybody else’s that hasn’t first gone through You.  Thank You that You don’t waste anything.

© 2013 by Julie Denker.  All rights reserved.

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