Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Dear Girls,
I have heard and read these verse many times and have tried to the connect the dots...so to speak...between these qualities but have never been too successful. I think I have it this time. Sometimes seeing the big picture clearly really helps us to understand the details. Here is the big picture.(okay I really don't know whether it is the big picture or the little picture)
The first thing this verse tells us is that we are to glory in tribulations...why because we know that the Lord is using the trials in our lives to produce patience or a steadfastness of character. At first a trial really throw us...we try all kinds of things to get out of it or fix it. As time goes on in our walk with the Lord we begin to say...I have tried to do get through and fix it on my own Lord and I have learned that I can't. So now I am just going to wait on You...I am going to surrender...God then shows us what He can do. We begin to trust Him in and through the trial. rejoice, not in the trouble itself, but in knowing that God is using it to strengthen us and grow us more and more into His image. As we continue to walk with the Lord, trust Him in times of trouble and immerse ourselves in His word we become spiritually stable and are less easily thrown off balance when pressed. Our faith is tested, we learn that God's grace is always there and we gain experience or character. Interestingly enough that word character or experience means something akin to approved. We have endured and been tested and approved. So now we know with heart knowledge that He is working in our lives and that He will be faithful to complete the work in us that He started. We can look ahead now with hope and know that the Lord is faithful to care for our every need. The love of God is literally poured out in our heart.
Romans 8:16-17 tells us that "the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
We know He will carry us through to the end and bring us home. Our hope is secure. Biblical hope is sure and certain...not the kind of hope we talk about here on earth...biblical hope is so sure that it is as if it already occurred. We know He will not disappoint...He will sustain us through our troubles...we know He has our best in mind. We wait on Him and we hope in Him. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane truly showed us the way committing Himself completely into His Father's care..."Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
1 Peter 5:6-11 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
