Note to Self by Joe Thorn is a book that I now use as a
daily devotional. Each day I will share the scripture passage and an expert
from the book and a few of my own thoughts as part of my blog.
Scripture passage Romans
5: 3-5
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.
Section from the book
When the world strips
away your comfort and confidence in things temporal, when friends become
enemies and attack you, when in the providence of God suffering enters your
life like a flash flood, you are given an opportunity to see very clearly where
your ultimate dependence lies and where you find your identity.
Simple thoughts
There are two kinds of suffering and trials. One
is the self inflicted kind where there are consequences for your actions. The
other comes when something happens that you had no control over. The key to
both kinds of suffering is knowing that God causes all things to work for good for those who
love him. I really love what it says above in regards to suffering and trials.
You are given an
opportunity to see very clearly where your ultimate dependence lies and where
you find your identity. When you come to the realization that your ultimate dependence
and your identity is found in Christ. You should say thank you suffering, thank
you trials. When a person’s dependence and identity is in something other than
Christ they are doomed now and possibly forever unless they change and trust in
Christ. The next time a trial or suffering comes upon you let it be an
opportunity to check your identity. 
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