Romans 5:3-5

New International Version (NIV)

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.

For Meditation

1. Who wants to suffer? Who would prefer suffering to a life free of distress and pain? Who wants to be in Job’s shoes, during his time of affliction?
2. But, is there anybody who can live a trouble-free life here on earth? Has sin not woven suffering into the fabric of life in general for mankind? More than that, is suffering not a constant factor in our redemption equation? Could there have been the resurrection without the cross? So, how could the true child of God expect to experience a suffering-free life in Christ?
3. Despite the constancy of suffering in the believer’s life, isn’t it great joy to know that we can maintain a living hope in Christ that our final redemption is guaranteed (1 Pt. 1:3; Col. 1:27)?
4. Isn’t that sufficient proof that God’s goal in our suffering is to perfect us in Christ? Can you understand why Paul encourages us to rejoice in our sufferings, since we know that suffering develops our ability to endure (Rm. 5:3)? And, doesn’t endurance sharpen our character, which in turn strengthens our hope of glory in Christ Jesus (4)?
5. So, how could this hope disappoint us? Don’t you know that because God dearly loves us, He has filled our hearts with His love through the Holy Spirit who indwells us (5)? Is He not God’s seal upon us, guaranteeing our final redemption (2 Cor.1:22; Eph. 4:30)? Isn’t that cause for joy, even in the throes of affliction (Acts 16:25)?

I pray that is your anxious moments, you can reflect on God’s promises concerning His perfecting work in us through suffering, so that you may be encouraged, as dismay gives way to hope.

So: Keep on pressing on, and waiting on Christ Jesus for His appointed time of deliverance, as you go through all kinds of affliction; for the day of your final redemption is quickly drawing near. In the meantime, fix your eyes on Jesus your Lord, who has initiated your faith and will perfect it (Heb. 12:2)!

Shalom