Rom 5:3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance….
I doubt that anyone likes to suffer. I know I certainly don’t. But I will be quite honest and tell you that my faith is stronger because of the suffering that I’ve encountered. It doesn’t make me want to throw a party to celebrate those trials, but I certainly appreciate how my faith has grown and matured, how my trust in my Savior has deepened, through those trials.
Rom 5:4 …perseverance, character; and character, hope.
It seems that from the moment of birth, we are on this crash course to prove that we can handle life by ourselves, that we are self-sufficient and self-reliant. But that attitude produces hubris and pride, which are useless in God’s kingdom. Through trials, He takes me to the end of myself, to the limits of my self-reliance, and reminds me that I cannot, in fact, do this on my own, but that I don’t need to because He’s with me, He’s got me, He is in control.
Rom 5:5a And hope does not put us to shame….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You are my strength and my refuge. This world wants me to feel weak if I can’t do it on my own. You use the suffering in my life to remind me that as Your deeply loved child, I can rest in You, knowing that You hold me securely, no matter the trial, that You are working all things for my good and Your glory, even when the world seems upside down. I love You, Lord. I need You. I trust You. Draw me closer. Amen.
Rom 5:5b …because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.