This month's devotional is written by Inheritance of Hope co-founder, Deric Milligan.  Last month, he and nine others ran the Marine Corps Marathon for Team Inheritance of Hope.

Let us also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. 

Romans 5:3-5

When I first considered running a marathon, the task seemed impossible.  How in the world could I run, or even walk, 26.2 miles?  In June, I started running (and walking) distances of less than two miles.  By July, I went into previously uncharted territory when I ran 6 miles.  It was not easy, but it was certainly a good feeling when I was done. 

After that, there were a series of runs longer than I had ever done before.  I was amazed how my body seemed to know how far my previous long run was, and how it balked when I tried to push into new ground.  Time and again it was the same, whether it was mile 6 or mile 20. 

I was even more amazed and encouraged at the way my body (and mind) responded to the pain by becoming stronger.  On October 25^th, I completed 26.2 miles, my first marathon, in Washington, D.C.  Not only did I complete the race, but it was much easier than I had anticipated.  In fact, in many ways, it was easier than my first 6 mile run back in July.  The suffering had indeed brought perseverance.

As I ran, I thought about the way our trials in life can seem insurmountable - just like the marathon seemed to me back in June.  In fact, life is really a marathon.  As God promises, suffering brings perseverance, perseverance brings character, and character brings hope.  God’s grace provides a path to overcome the obstacles that we think we cannot conquer.  That was true in my marathon training, and it’s true in our lives.

I’ve heard a modern-day parable in which two factory workers both make meager salaries and do the same, mundane task day after day.  The only difference between the two is the fact that one of them knows he will earn one million dollars in his second year of work.  Consequently, he goes to work whistling a happy tune and blissfully tackles his work every day while his coworker drags himself out of bed and suffers through every minute.  Their circumstances are identical, but one has hope in the future and the other has none.       

For those who trust in God’s plan, suffering can lead to a hope beyond our present circumstances in the marathon of life.  What a comfort to know God promises a hope that does not disappoint.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40: 31