YOU CAN REJOICE IN YOUR SUFFERINGS, because you know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Problems that cause you pain can ultimately increase your hope. However, this does not happen automatically. You have to cooperate with My Spirit as He guides you through times of suffering.
Perseverance is a rare commodity in this day and age. Most people look for and long for a quick fix. But lingering adversity -- accepted with trust and confidence in Me -- develops Christ-like character. This prepares you for an eternity of problem-free living with Me. Your changed character will bless you and others in this world also, because I crafted you in My own image -- to be like Me.
The more you become like Me, the more you can experience hope. Your transformed character convinces you that you do indeed belong to Me. This helps you cope with the problems you face, trusting that you and I together can handle them. And the wondrous hope of heaven shines on your daily, strengthening and encouraging you.
- Jesus
Scripture Insight: Romans 5:3-5; John 14:15-17 and Philippians 4:13
(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)
Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version) - "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us"
ReplyDeleteJohn 14:15-17 (New King James Version) - "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide in you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you"
Philippians 4:13 (New King James Version) - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"