Romans 5:3-4, New International Version

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

Life can present us with challenges. It is how we perceive or look at those challenges that make all the difference! 

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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.” (Romans 5:1-5, NIV)

Walking out the Christian walk is not always easy. Circumstances that we may face daily don’t always seem surmountable. But with Christ, as we all learn in our walk with Jesus, all things are possible. It doesn’t always look how we want it to or turn out how we desire it to, but we know and trust that God’s will is done in our lives.  When we walk with Him and experience Him, we learn to trust, we have more and more hope, we have more and more peace. It only stacks up because of His grace in our lives and the way He draws us by His loving kindness. Because of these challenges that He walks with us through, we gain perseverance, character, and hope. He is our strength that gets us through each day and each moment. We can trust Him because He has always proven Himself faithful.

This morning as I was sitting on the couch meditating and drinking coffee, this scripture came to my mind…

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV) Some translations say “for those who wait on the LORD.” As this scripture came to mind, I prayed out loud. I needed this. Life can be weary at times. We need these reminders…wait on the LORD…Hope in the LORD. Remember what He has done and have faith that He will finish what He started in you!

My desire and prayer for us:

“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:4-5, NIV)