Scripture: Romans 5:3-5 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."Observation: Paul has an ever heaven-looking eye. He doesn't place his hope or value in this life. Rather he points to the hardness of life and says, "Let's take it for all it's worth."
Difficulties produce in us the strength to endure them. That, in turn, grows in us like a seed and blossoms character (Paul means "high-quality character," not just character of any sort. That is why this paragraph is strictly about someone who places their faith in God during a hard experience. Many people enduring hardship apart from faith in God; however, that results only in character that is useful only for this life and only for dealing with disappointment and loss. It will not strengthen our faith in God and it will not help keep our hope and treasure where it should be: eternal life in heaven with God through the work of Jesus). Character produced from hardship that is endured with an eternal perspective will strengthen and steel our hope in God.
Application: Nobody needs God when all is well (speaking in human terms). The good news of Jesus and faith in God are really put to work in hard times, when we suffer, when hope seems lost or pointless.
Every hard thing in which I have not turned to God has been a lost opportunity for spiritual gym time. My faith grows when I can say with the song, "even so,
it is well with my soul." In every trial, look to God in faith. It will make the difference between "surviving" and "thriving."
Prayer: Remembering that all things are in your hands and that I should praise you in the storm are hard things to do. Teach me steadfastness. You never leave me. Thank you. I love you. Amen.
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