1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through 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. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom has been given to us.
Romans! A book that looks a lot like the law, but feels a lot like the gospel. What is it that saves us, is it the law? No way, it is faith.
Christians are not spared from suffering. Christians are not spared from the potential for growth.
There are days...days I just lack the energy I want to have...days I feel unappreciated....days I feel misunderstood...days that feel like nothing is going the way it should...days my emotional, physical and mental health challenge me...days of suffering. Yet somehow, I persevere...I want to see what tomorrow brings, I don't want to let the present moment have the final word. Isn't it good to know that thru this perseverance, character is developed, and as character is developed, hope springs to life. And hope - does not disappoint.
When we have nothing left, we have hope. This is my favorite part of this text. It is with resignation I can say suffering, perseverance and character, but when I say the word "hope," I am at once filled with hope. Hearing this word is like a wonderful surprise in the midst of some not so good news. It is gospel in the midst of some law. It is the word that helps me to keep on keeping on.
Today, I am thankful for hope.
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