"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 5:3-5)

Why does suffering produce patience, perseverance, character, and hope? These are the gold standard characteristics but scarce.

If I had a choice, I would rather purchase virtues from Amazon. I’d have them in 2 days, they wouldn’t cost much—Prime shipping is free after all, am I right?

So why is suffering the primary way we develop good things in our lives?

I think (I could be wrong) when we suffer we look for God. We notice Him. It becomes apparent that He is working in our lives and the situation. This process can be long, but waiting develops patience in us. Patience deepens into a steadfast, steely determination called perseverance. This is where hope shines.

Hope, when you break it down, is a confident and joyful expectation.

In suffering, we anchored our hope to God, who is the author and source of hope. Hope never disappoints because God generously pours into our lives during times of suffering. He shows up and does something special in our hearts—He pours out love and perspective; God smooths our rough edges; He enables us to see others in need and relate to them; God helps turn our focus from inward to outward. Then He uses us to be a redemptive force in this world.

Yes, my friends, in suffering when hope awakens, it is because we know God is with us, and working for us. The process is hard, but the result far outweigh the pain. Our confidence is unshakeable because we know God will always be there for us.

Reflect

Where are you suffering right now?

Where do you see God “showing up” in this pain?

Reflect on the ways God has poured into your life through the Holy Spirit during times of suffering and pain. Take a moment to thank Him for walking with you through it.

Previous: Romans 5:2   Next: Romans 5:6

Original article published July 21, 2009.

"through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2)

On my tenth wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with tickets to see the hit Broadway show, Mary Poppins. It was a gift designed to delight me, and it worked. The show was fantastic.

He purchased the tickets long before our trip. When we arrived at the theatre, they quickly ushered us in. Faith is like those tickets, it ushers us into a state of God’s favor (grace). It makes all the introductions; it grants us an all-access pass and the best news is that it’s free. Jesus pays the admission price. And now we simply enjoy the gift designed to delight us.

I love how Eugene Peterson describes this in The Message: “And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise,” (Rom. 5:2 The Message).

I love that! In Jesus, not only do we have our entrance and introductions to God, but we also take part in His glory. The word is doxa. It’s translated several ways and in this passage it means ‘a most glorious condition, most exalted state.’ But, it’s not referring to God’s glory, it’s pointing to the blessedness given to followers of Christ.

In Christ, you and I have an entrance pass to experience a most exalted state of God’s favor and blessing!

That’s incredible! Paul says, rejoice in it! Eugene Peterson says, stand tall and shout praises! I invite you to think about the implications:

Reflect

Have you used your entrance ticket to experience friendship with God or does guilt, shame and unworthiness keep you away?

How does understanding this verse give you confidence in God?

What would change if you thought of yourself as the recipient of God’s favor and blessing?

What would change if you thought of others as the recipient of God’s favor and blessing?

Previous: Romans 5:1  Next: Romans 5:3-5

Original article published July 20, 2009.