Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. – Romans 5:3-4
In God’s economy, nothing is ever wasted. And, according to the apostle Paul, that includes suffering, for it is but another step toward hope. While some suffering means enduring pain, distress, or hardship, facing daily frustrations, hurts, or fears may challenge your faith and hope just as much as undergoing severe persecution could.
When you look at whatever is troubling you through the lens of today’s verses, you begin to see how God uses everything.
As you trust God through the steps in the process toward hope, He resets your attitude. What is it that He is teaching you today? Are you learning to lean on His everlasting arms as you endure? Are you getting a character makeover in some aspect of your personality? Remember what Peter taught, “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).
Memorize and learn to rely on the many promises of God to sustain you through times of suffering. As you claim these for yourself, intercede for many in government who, even this present year, have dealt with serious illness, the loss of family members, or other life challenges.
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