“Glory in our Sufferings”

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

 

It has been said “life is hard”- and rightly so. At times, it seems we can’t possible handle all that life has thrown at us. In this verse, however, the apostle Paul teaches us glory is in our sufferings. That seems like an impossible task in most cases- it’s hard to smile when we’re going through tough times, much less “glory” in them! But he goes on to explain why- because our sufferings will create in us a spirit of perseverance- the ability to handle what life gives us. And this develops in us character, which is who we are and what we are made of. And this, in the end, gives us hope – that no matter what happens, we know that God is in control – and that is a reason for hope. Whatever you’re going through, Paul tells us to see it in the “big picture” – when we focus solely on our circumstances, they seem horrible- because they can be!

 

Application

In light of God’s ultimate plan for our lives, we can learn to let these problems help us become better  people- and to show  others how to do the same.

 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the fact that no matter what we face, you’re bigger than our circumstances. Thank you that you’re an all-knowing and an all-powerful God. Help us to understand that you’ll never leave us in the midst of a storm, but if we let you and trust you, you can bring something good out of even the worst circumstances. Amen.