“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 5:3-5
If you were to list all the glorious experiences in your life, the hardest and most painful times probably would not make the list. Most of us would rather think of more pleasant memories.
Yet the apostle Paul wrote in Romans that we “glory in our sufferings.” How could he say this to hurting people who were undergoing persecution? He could say it because he lived what he wrote. Among other things, he was stoned, shipwrecked, and suffered deprivation and persecution (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). So when Paul described the blessings of suffering, he recognized the perseverance, character, and hope the Holy Spirit had developed in his own life.
Still, when we’re in the midst of a season of affliction or caring for someone who is, it’s difficult to see how the experience is a blessing. We forget that our God is a Redeemer. He sent Jesus to redeem us from slavery to sin. And He redeems our sufferings by using them to conform us to the image of His Son. Though our pain is temporary, its redeeming blessings last for eternity.
Yet the apostle Paul wrote in Romans that we “glory in our sufferings.” How could he say this to hurting people who were undergoing persecution? He could say it because he lived what he wrote. Among other things, he was stoned, shipwrecked, and suffered deprivation and persecution (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). So when Paul described the blessings of suffering, he recognized the perseverance, character, and hope the Holy Spirit had developed in his own life.
Still, when we’re in the midst of a season of affliction or caring for someone who is, it’s difficult to see how the experience is a blessing. We forget that our God is a Redeemer. He sent Jesus to redeem us from slavery to sin. And He redeems our sufferings by using them to conform us to the image of His Son. Though our pain is temporary, its redeeming blessings last for eternity.
Scripture Focus
Romans 5:1-5
Insight
As you consider your own suffering, how might God be redeeming your experiences to make you more like Christ?
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 31-32
- Psalm 146
- 1 Timothy 1-2
