Suffering Redeemed
Romans 5-8
“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we 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 has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Romans 5:2-5
Christ-followers live with hope in the glory of God, fully realized when Christ returns; and hope in every circumstance because God’s grace is transforming us from glory to glory. This process of transformation fills us with hope because we are not the same people today that we were last year! Suffering when we belong to Christ is redemptive. Suffering brings a process of change in our lives as it develops perseverance, character, and hope. In our weakest moments when we cry out to God in humility, we experience his infilling love through the Holy Spirit and our hope in the reality of God’s nearness and love is renewed.
What suffering in our lives is God using to strengthen our faith, hope, and love?
“Lord Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit and your incredible love for me, for your glory.”