#TuesdayTruth Romans 5:3-5

“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.”

In thinking about what verse to use this week, or what should be said, one word kept coming to mind: HOPE. There are a ton of wonderful, encouraging Bible verses with the word “hope” in it, but Romans 5 just seemed so applicable in this time of uncertainty and rapidly changing situations.

I think it is safe to say that, with everything that has happened over the past days/weeks/months, everyone has felt a form of suffering, to some degree. It could be in so many forms- health (our own, or that of a family member or friend), uncertainty about work/school/finances, feeling isolated from friends/family, change in routine/schedule and the list goes on and on.

However, let’s shift our perspective. The things we perceive as suffering are not meaningless. We could choose to dwell on the things that are not going well or the things we do not have right now; OR, we can thank God that He is the same yesterday, today and forever and that He has good plans for us, for “hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Based on the verse above, we can be certain that these present “sufferings” will develop in us the attributes that we need to further the kingdom and to have unshakeable hope.

These temporary “sufferings” can build perseverance in us, can develop our character and can help us see that our hope is in something (rather, someONE) steadfast. That can not be altered by the circumstances in our lives. That is why our hope “does not disappoint.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that we can rejoice, even in the difficult times. Thank you for the gift of time that so many of us have right now, time that we can spend with you. Please show us each individually how we can use that gift to your glory. Thank you for what you are teaching us and showing us in this season of change. Thank you for hope that does not disappoint.

We love you Father, Amen.