Second Wednesday of Advent

Peace in Suffering

Read Romans 5:3 – 5
The Apostle Paul writes, “More than that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…”  He is saying since we are at peace with God, and since we have access into his grace, the end result will be hope.

Hope in the Bible is not the same as crossing your fingers and wishing for the best.  The Bible defines hope as having absolute assurance that something will happen even though it is still in the future.  It simply means being certain that a future event will happen.  In the Christians case our hope is in the future glory that God has promised us.  None of us here on earth have obtained our future glory; we have to wait.  But we can live in certainty that God’s promise to those who trust in Jesus Christ alone will inherit an eternal glory that He has prepared for His children.    

When we see our trials and sufferings through the lens of hope, then it all makes sense.  Look throughout the Old and New Testament at the men and women of faith who endured hardships, trials, and suffering and were able to rejoice in these times.  They were able to endure because their hope was in the promise of God’s future glory.

Are you facing a challenge in your life today?  Rejoice, because your challenge will produce patience.  Your patience will build character.  Ultimately your patience and character will result in hope even amidst your trial.
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