SCRIPTURE:
“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
OBSERVATION:
We are reminded that our challenges will help us to be more resilient, learned, of character, and understand hope. The question is, what is hope when the word says that hope will not disappoint us? Does this mean that we will get what we are hoping for? Not necessarily. Then what is it? Perhaps, hope is God’s will to be manifested in our life even though the result may not be what we want. If we can connect God’s love, plan, and outcome in our life with His will and being satisfied with this outcome, rather than what we want; perhaps that is where the fruition of hope will not disappoint us because we are in God’s will. We then can rejoice, and that is where the joy and understanding comes … that we learn and grow in our sufferings.
APPLICATION:
I need to hold on to this understanding as I face challenges and sufferings that will come. Not if, but when, how often, and how great. Not what I want but what God wants for my life and how He will use me for His kingdom purposes.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me to see that it’s not about what I want, but what you want for my life and how you can use me. Please help me to best understand the challenges and sufferings that I will encounter and to see you, your will, and your plan in those times so that I may learn, grow, and rejoice.
