“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” -Romans 5:3-5, emphasis added
As followers of Jesus who are justified by faith, we have a loving Father who is able to work out all things for our good, especially suffering (Romans 5:1, 8:28). We are not trained by the world to desire suffering. Our instinct is to pursue ease, comfort, and prosperity. These things are not inherently wrong, but when chosen as more valuable than God, they are sin.
As we seek first the Kingdom of God, we will experience suffering (Acts 14:22). But this suffering is a gift because it produces in us precious perspective, wisdom, and hope. Rejoicing in suffering is rejoicing in God and His hope and love (Romans 5:2, 5).
There is a war being waged within us, and we must fight the fight of faith everyday (Romans 7:23). This fight is about seeing God as beautiful and His promises as trustworthy, and suffering helps us in this fight because it equips us with endurance and character. Every bit of suffering ultimately produces in us hope in the glory of God and our opportunity to partake in this glory.
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” -Romans 8:16-17, emphasis added
As we suffer in this life, we can hold onto a great hope. The hope the world has is fleeting, but the hope of the Christian is rock solid, indestructible, and unshakeable (Psalm 62:2). Paul teaches us that our hope is so magnificent that suffering actually enhances it. So let us rejoice in suffering as we grow in endurance, character, and the glorious hope of God’s steadfast love in our hearts.
Father, give us this perspective as we experience suffering so that we can rejoice in Your love that produces in us endurance, character, and hope. Amen.
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