Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance,
character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to
shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the
Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
True peace, joy, and hope come from being reconciled to God
the Father through Jesus Christ. We gain access by faith into this grace in
which we now stand. (v.2) Paul concludes that the grace of God poured over us
enables us to stand against the storms of life and rejoice in the hope of the
glory of God. He continues to underscore that suffering will produce Christ-
like character in us and calls us to persevere and to grab hold of the hope
that God pours into our lives. Paul helps us understand how we are able to
celebrate in the midst of suffering. He shows us the steady progression of the
Christian life: patience to character and from character to hope.
As I meditate on these verses, I am reminded of how the Lord
gave me hope and assurance in the midst of storms in my life. No matter what
circumstances have placed you in turbulent waters, the Lord will set your
course to provide you a way to safety in His arms. All the while He is growing
in you a hope in Him, and He will see you back safely to the shore.
What circumstances seem beyond your control at the moment?
Cry out to God and He will pour His love into your heart, giving you a hope
that will never disappoint. (v.5)
Thought for today: What is my hope rooted in?
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