Stormy Seasons

^"3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ⁵ And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."-Romans 5:3-5

"You are hope. You are hope, you have covered all my sin." -Forever Reign Hillsong

Hope–verb (used with object)

6.to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.

7.to believe, desire, or trust: I hope that my work will be satisfactory.

As I was running tonight I was trying to think of what to write. Then I realized it. Running has become slightly difficult because I have become out of shape. After about fifteen minutes I start to get tired. I want to walk because my legs begin to ache. I am unaware of the "dangers" around me because I have my ipod blasting christian music so my focus is only to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. I know that if I didn't have worship songs playing I would easily notice the barking dogs trying to break free of their leashes so they could have some Rhia Adobo. I would be aware of the casting shadows and the lights that began to dim. No matter what was trying to stop me I wouldn't give up I knew that if I wanted to get somewhere I would have to endure the pain now. I know that if I worked hard now and set my eyes on the things that would become of this short trial things would eventually get easier. 

I will not put my hope in the materialistic things I will put my hope in God and his word. For when my hope is in him I can never be disappointed. He always follows through.

I know that each stormy season in my life serves a purpose. When I no longer have a phone. When certain close friendships become distant. When I'm struggling with school. When I am heartbroken. When I am hopeless and depressed. I run out of the darkness and into the light. I sprint into the arms of Jesus. The purpose of trials is so that I may become more dependent on the one who will help me finish the race. He will help me to appreciate what I have, strengthen my faith, build my endurance, and create a hope in me that cannot be destroyed. He is my hope and he will make my path straight. 

^"13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 5:13