The turtle power

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Since I was born with one leg, I walk much slower than most people. When I was on crutches running a 10km race in excruciating pain, I literally felt like a turtle. Everyone else was a hare. Because of the heavy rain, I fell almost every 10 steps, but I kept a steady pace and persevered and eventually reached the finish line. This painful race taught me perseverance.  

The Christian race is not about winning at the start, but all about finishing the race well. God dislikes hare, which represent pride and arrogance, and lack of character to complete the race.  Therefore, it is okay to be a turtle in God's eyes. As long as we persevere and move forward under tribulation, tribulation can benefit us as it builds perseverance, character, and hope.

Biblical perseverance refers to steadfastness, constancy, and the willingness to wait patiently and continue. Similarly to the race I mentioned earlier, perseverance is being able to persevere and move forward despite difficulties or slow progress to achieve our success or desired outcome. There are times when it's easier to give up than endure pain. However, God desires perseverance, because perseverance leads to character. 

Character here means a proven character that is approved and tried by trials. It is the same with gold, which must be put to a fiery test in order to prove that it is pure and authentic. The true colors of our faith will come to light when our faith is tested. God will know that our faith is real when it is tested and persevered, which makes it more precious than gold.

Hope comes from a tested faith! In the past, I lived and thought like a hare, so prideful and lacking in character that when I went through a prolonged distress period, I felt no hope and dreadful. Over time, I saw that all these setbacks and failures were the finest hours for me to build my faith. I saw that God never fails me, it gives me hope.

The turtle in me feels full of hope and fullness. I can go to sleep every night thanking God for a full and blessed day and I look forward to the next day with hope and joy. Tap into the "turtle power", for trials will bring hope and glory. 

Blessing prayer: I pray that you will give us grace to persevere in the midst of trials that will build character and abound in hope through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.