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Making Us Like Christ

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.  Romans 5:3-4

God can take anything that happens to us--even bad things--and use it to shape us and make us into a better, more Christlike person--if we will let Him.

This doesn't mean God necessarily causes everything that happens to us; sometimes He only allows things to happen. Often, for instance, bad things happen to us because we made bad decisions--decisions that were the opposite of  God's will for us. When that's the case, we can't blame God for the consequences.

Sometimes we don't know why God allows bad things to happen to us. Even then, however, God can use them to teach us and make us into better people. Disappointments and tragedies, for example, can teach us to turn in trust to God for the hope and comfort we need. These experiences can also teach us patience and make us more sensitive to others who are suffering.

Are you passing through a difficult time today? Ask God to use it to increase your faith and make you more Christ like.

From, Hope for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.