“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.”
Romans 5:3-4
If there is anyone in the Bible whose words about suffering could be taken seriously, it is Paul. Just read the list of his personal trials in 2 Corinthians 11:24-30. Those afflictions made him someone the Lord used mightily to speak to suffering believers throughout history.
James Rowe tells in his book Five Years to Freedom (1984) of enduring intense torture as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. To brave it and to hang onto a shred of hope, he looked back on his earlier exposure to the gospel. “My religious background included Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, and church attendance as a youngster. I had never questioned religion; nor had I ever really accepted it … I found myself returning to and drawing from that foundation in this situation. When I was stripped of all material assets … the words of Psalm 23 were a source of strength and consolation … I began to believe ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’”
Abundant hope comes from Jesus Christ who won eternity in heaven for us when He defeated Satan at Calvary.
James Rowe tells in his book Five Years to Freedom (1984) of enduring intense torture as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. To brave it and to hang onto a shred of hope, he looked back on his earlier exposure to the gospel. “My religious background included Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, and church attendance as a youngster. I had never questioned religion; nor had I ever really accepted it … I found myself returning to and drawing from that foundation in this situation. When I was stripped of all material assets … the words of Psalm 23 were a source of strength and consolation … I began to believe ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’”
Abundant hope comes from Jesus Christ who won eternity in heaven for us when He defeated Satan at Calvary.
Scripture Focus
Romans 5:1-5
Insight
“For the believer there is hope beyond the grave, because Jesus has opened the door.” (Billy Graham, 1918-2018)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 53-54
- Psalm 97
- Acts 20