inspired by a friend

i received an email today from an old friend that rocked my world. he shared with me some incredible things that he has faced & overcome. i was reminded of what the apostle paul wrote to some christians that were living in rome at the time & facing life & death every day.

Romans 5:3-5
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.

i don't look forward to the problems or trials but i do look forward to being the man that God is wanting me to become. having just come through a very difficult 4 months of my own, this friend helped to reminded me that i can be a better man, a better husband, a better dad, a better leader.