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Penguin suits are garments laced with elastic bands. They force you to exert strength with every move you make. The Soviets came up with this garment for their cosmonauts. After spending 211 days in space, cosmonauts suffered dizziness, high pulse rates, heart palpitations, and the inability to walk for a week — all stemming from their bodies not getting enough exercise. Our spiritual life also suffers when we fail to get enough spiritual exercise. Consider this: Mary and Martha’s brother took ill. They sent for Jesus to come heal him, but Jesus waited two days before going — waited until he died. He then told his disciples, I am glad I wasn’t there when he died, for now you will really believe.” Jesus delayed because He wanted people to grow their faith. By delaying, the disciples and the sisters would see God’s power at work and grow in their faith. Taxing experiences expand faith, just as intense practice increases an athlete’s capacity to compete. So rather than complaining when God permits trouble to come our way, consider them as training, enabling us to grow in our faith. Remember His word to us through the Apostle Paul. “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it.”
