Suffering and Hope

 "We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. " Romans 5:3-4 NIV

Paul, in this passage, is speaking to those who have been justified by faith and who, therefore, have peace with God.  Suffering does not always produce perseverance, character and hope.  If a person is not turning to God in their time of trouble, they may simply become bitter, angry and despairing. The perseverance that Paul is talking about is persevering in our faith and trusting that God loves us and wants what is best for us. The character that is produced is the fruit of the Holy Spirit : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Finally, our hope is in the promises of God based on his character.  God is the great redeemer and He not only redeems us so that we can have eternal life with him after we die, but he redeems our lives and character right now.

I pray that I will not ask "why?" when difficult times happen. I pray that I will not become rebellious when life is not going the way I want it to. I thank God that, no matter what, He is always my loving Father.