Bible Study Verse
Romans 5:3-8
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (TNIV)

Thoughts
This fall held one the most challenging trips we had taken. Nothing was going right. The weather was nightmarish, the deer weren’t moving like expected, and we had tried various locations while moving to three different motels. We weren’t seeing hardly any deer, let alone the big ones we had gone there for. Yet at any point the rut could change, so we kept getting up at 5 in the morning and hunting the whole day. Finally after six days, someone flipped the switch. I harvested a really nice 10 point.

I’m sure you can think of challenging times you have had in the field or on the water. You wanted to give up, yet kept at it, and your perseverance was rewarded. Sometimes in life we want to give up due to circumstances, yet we are reminded of all Jesus has done for us. We have something to hope for, no matter what is happening at the current time.
(Ross G)

Action Point
Putting your faith and trust in Jesus is easy to do when things are going well. Use the challenging times to develop your character and to remember the love Jesus has for you. It’s the tough times that will strengthen your faith in Him.