3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
(Side note: I’ve been on vacation for a week, so I have not been able to post since now.)
“We glory (or rejoice) in our suffering”. That might sound a little strange as though we should want to suffer and seek to punish ourselves. But that’s not the point. It’s not that the suffering itself is what is good … instead what is good is what results from the suffering due to faithfulness to Christ (perseverance, character, hope, and assurance).
In other words a person can be going through a very rough time. (Maybe an illness, a loss of a loved one or persecution). And while the situation is not what I would want for them… still God works to bring about good out of it. Looking at those who have gone through a rough life and have come out of it stronger shows what perseverance truly is. Think of the character of one who has gone through such trails and still holds strong. (Like metal that is heated in fire, purified and strengthened). Then look at the hope one can have who has faced all that pain and sorrow has thrown at them and still they know God is there. That assurance of God’s love and presence is more precious than any experience we can have. Ultimately what results is that we are made more like Jesus. Jesus is the one who suffered, persevered and still not only had hope but give us all hope. And it is His Spirit living inside us which enables us to rejoice that in any situation God is able to mold us to be more like God’s son. Questions to consider…
How is God working to shape your character? What struggles are you facing? Can you ask God to help you to allow whatever you are going through to mold you more into His likeness?
No comments:
Post a Comment