Hope Series Episode 8

Hope Series Episode 8

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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 5:3-5

Hello, my walking friend! Take a minute to just fix your eyes on Jesus. Really look at him, in your mind, and see his characteristics, his love, his mercy, his goodness. Let the truth of who he is really fill your soul as you walk. Today more so because we will be considering how suffering can produce good in us.

Today is the 8th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is Romans 5:3-5
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.

The idea of rejoicing or boasting in suffering might seem counterintuitive or even perplexing. I mean, how can we even begin to feel this way about our suffering or the suffering of those we love. Now, keep in mind that Paul is not suggesting that we should seek out pain or hardship. But he is encouraging us to find purpose and meaning in our sufferings as we go through life’s challenges. It is not about celebrating the pain itself. I mean people would rightfully call us crazy Christians if we went around saying, “Yah! I love being hurt, rejected, in physical pain, and financial distress! Bring it on!” But we can thank God that through enduring difficult circumstances with faith will cause us to grow, in good ways if we let the Holy Spirit work in us, and transform us into the likeness of Jesus. After all, Jesus had more than his fair share of suffering, on our behalf, no less.

Still, trials and tribulations can test the very core of our faith and resilience. But when we endure and hold on to our trust in God, our perseverance grows stronger. Through the struggles we face, we develop the ability to endure, remain steadfast, and not lose hope in God’s faithfulness.

As our perseverance is refined through the fire of adversity, our character is molded and strengthened. The challenges we face provide an opportunity for growth, teaching us valuable lessons about ourselves, our relationship with God, and our dependence on Him. Our character is shaped as we learn to trust God in all circumstances and exhibit godly virtues like patience, love, and humility.

The transformation of our character through perseverance in suffering leads us to a deeper and more profound hope. This hope is not based on fleeting emotions, but on the assurance of God’s love and faithfulness. Our experiences in life, both the joys and the trials, mold us into people whose hope is firmly anchored in the unchanging nature of God.

And the hope that emerges from our suffering is genuine and reliable. It is not a false hope that disappoints or lets us down. When our hope is rooted in God and His promises, it will not lead us astray. Instead, it sustains us through the most challenging times and guides us toward God’s ultimate purposes.

Finally, Paul reminds us that the transformational process of suffering and hope is deeply connected to God’s love and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers and sustains us, pouring out God’s love into our hearts. This divine love strengthens us, fills us with hope, and enables us to endure and grow through the difficulties we encounter.

Isn’t our God so amazing and wonderful and good that He will use our suffering here for a good purpose in the end. I didn’t say that our suffering is amazing, wonderful, or good. Not at all. Only that God can use it, in the end, for a good purpose. I know, it is hard to understand why God even allows such suffering in the world to begin with. And, my walking friend, I don’t have an easy answer to that. I struggle with that sometimes, too. But I do know that the suffering we experience is a result of our broken world and the broken people in it. And I also know that one day Jesus is coming back and He will make all things right. So hold tight to His promises, have faith in who He is and in His word, and have a heavenly hope in the midst of our broken world.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
Romans 5:3-5
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.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

Has there been a time in your life when Jesus turned your suffering into a blessing, either for yourself or as a witness to someone else?

What is the relationship between God’s love and your hope? What is the relationship between your hope and your trust in Jesus?

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit to help you fully recognize God’s love for you? Does knowing how much God loves you renew your hope?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time: Romans 5:3-5
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.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
I can’t begin to answer the many questions of why bad things happen in this world and why people have to suffer. I understand what you are saying in my mind, but sometimes, in the midst of suffering or when I see suffering in others, it is still hard to understand in my heart. Help me see your broken heart during our suffering. Forgive me for not taking responsibility for the part my sin has played in this fallen world. Holy Spirit, fill me with the love of Jesus. Give me patience to endure, with faith, the trials that you allow in my life. Remind me, in a powerful and supernatural way, of your faithfulness. When my suffering or the suffering of others threatens to crush my soul, reveal yourself to me, Jesus, powerfully so that it will be well with my soul once again. I may not always understand your ways, Jesus, but I put my hope in you. Thank you for walking with me always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one who suffered so we could live. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue to meditate on Biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.