Romans 5:3-4 3/27/2018*8/5*

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

It is odd to think about being able to glory in our suffering.

But in other areas of life we readily accept the concept.  In athletics, education, and our occupation, we know that to improve we must be challenged. We must push ourselves and face problems in order to grow and become better.

Scripture tells us to apply that same awareness to our spiritual lives.  Not to look for suffering, but when it comes find the benefit…and the benefit is perseverance.

Perseverance is uncommon today because we see challenges as offensive. We don’t like to be pushed, we like to be comfortable… and until you are challenged you cannot learn to persevere.

No one can claim to be a wonderful husband on their honeymoon. You can’t say you’re a great parent when your child is a toddler…You have to earn it.

When you’ve been married for years and you’re still working hard at it, when your kids are teenagers and you’ve struggled and endured – then you have achieved something.

At that point, perseverance has produced character, and character has produced hope… Not a hope that says, “maybe it will happen”, but a confident assurance… not only in what God will do, but in who God is … a hope that has been proven by years of following Him through valleys and over mountains. That is biblical hope ...and that is the only way to peace.

So, choose to glory in your suffering.  Knowing that perseverance develops character, and character will allow you to rest in a hope that cannot be shaken.

 “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
― Helen Keller