When the Wheels Fall Off
Scripture:
Romans 5:3–5 – “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces endurance; endurance produces character; and character produces hope. And this hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Devotional Thought:
Let’s be honest — some days, it feels like the wheels have officially fallen off the Struggle Bus.
You’ve been there, haven’t you?
Everything that could go wrong does, and by noon you’re wondering if you’ll even make it to the end of the day.
When life starts falling apart, our first instinct is often panic or frustration. But Paul reminds us that struggle isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning of endurance.
Every breakdown on the road of faith becomes a moment to build something stronger inside you.
Every delay tests your patience.
Every detour grows your trust.
And every season of suffering deepens your hope.
Notice the order in Romans 5 — suffering → endurance → character → hope.
There’s a process here.
Endurance is built through the struggle.
Character is proven through endurance.
Hope is birthed through character that’s been tested and found faithful.
That means even when it feels like the bus is breaking down, God is still tuning your heart.
You’re being strengthened from the inside out.
You’re learning to depend on His Spirit, not your strength.
And here’s the part we can’t miss: Hope will not disappoint.
Because our hope isn’t built on circumstances, it’s built on Christ — the one who never fails.
So when the wheels fall off, remember:
You may feel like you’re stranded, but God’s already sending help.
You may feel like you’re breaking down, but He’s building you up.
You may feel stuck, but you’re actually being shaped.
The struggle doesn’t stop you — it strengthens you.
Reflection Questions:
- What’s one area of your life that feels like it’s “falling apart” right now?
- How might God be using that specific struggle to build endurance or character in you?
- Where are you placing your hope — in circumstances changing, or in Christ remaining the same?
Prayer:
God, I admit that sometimes I get frustrated when life breaks down.
But thank You for reminding me that You never waste a struggle.
When I’m weary, teach me to endure.
When I’m tested, shape my character.
And when I’m uncertain, fill me with hope that doesn’t disappoint.
Let Your Spirit pour out fresh strength in me today.
Amen.
Daily Practice:
Every time something goes wrong today — big or small — stop for 10 seconds, take a deep breath, and say:
“God, build endurance in me.”
Turn each frustration into a moment of formation.
By the end of the day, you’ll be amazed how much stronger your faith feels.