Some people are like my little gray Plymouth Horizon. They just keep getting banged up.

In the 5 years I've had this compact car, it's been to the body shop four times. Some cars go their whole life without a trip to the fender-fixers, but this one just can't seem to stay away. On separate occasions, three corners of my vehicle have been crunched. And just recently one corner got its second bonk.

In one sense, this little runaround car is better off for its smashing successes. It has lots of parts that are not 5 years old, making portions of the car newer than its chronological age.

According to James 1:2-4, people who seem to get "banged up" more than others may be better off for it. Although none of us would ask for trouble or desire it, Scripture indicates that our struggles make us stronger.

Look at Paul's example in 2 Corinthians 11. He listed the many bad things that had come his way as he served God. Then in chapter 12 he mentioned the "thorn in the flesh" that afflicted him. Paul wasn't complaining. He was pointing out that God's strength stands out best when we are weakest.

Like Paul, when we get banged up, let's look for the ways God has made us better.  — Dave Branon