We Can Rejoice Because. . . ! (part 3 of 3)

From suffering to perseverance to character to...
"(3) More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, KNOWING THAT SUFFERING PRODUCES endurance, (4) and endurance produces character, and character produces HOPE," ( Romans 5:3-4 ESV)

Where would be the HOPE if we give up? We can stand firm with a confident expectation of the fulfillment of the promises of God. HOPE sustains us through the trials, knowing they will pass and even greater blessings are yet to come. Though some of our HOPES for this life may not come about, this is a HOPE Paul declared will "not put us to shame" (or disappoint us). ( Romans 5:5 ESV) The HOPE we have in God will not leave us ashamed of having held such a HOPE. It is a HOPE that uplifts us. It is a HOPE that reaches forward.

We are sojourners now, but we can press on, sustained by the HOPE of a promised eternal home! We are soldiers of Christ, involved in a spiritual warfare, but we can hold our ground, strengthened by the assured HOPE of the final victory! We are workers laboring for the Lord, but we can continue on encouraged by the HOPE of a future eternal rest! Our HOPE is not baseless. Neither will it be without fulfillment. We can rejoice because the HOPE is ours!

May we press on in faith with the focus Paul expressed to the church at Rome when we wrote: "(18) For I consider that the SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME ARE NOT WORTH COMPARING WITH THE GLORY THAT IS TO BE REVEALED TO US." ( Romans 8:18 ESV)

Have a great day SUSTAINED BY THE HOPE OF GOD!
Carl

-----------------------
[This focus was originally sent 04/04/2001 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy