Romans 5:1-5 “… And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but 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.” – NIV
Paul was teaching on justification that comes by faith and gives us peace with God through Christ Jesus. This faith comes along with sufferings for the gospel and for the Lord’s name. And not to think suffering is all there is to this faith, he emphasizes that our faith gives us a hope of God’s glory. This makes us rejoice in eager expectation of what lies ahead of us in this faith. It will not be a miserable ending.
This hope is founded on suffering, which produces perseverance, and then character. And character produces hope – a hope that does not disappoint. This is why genuine suffering for a godly and just cause is to be recieved with joy when one considers its outcome. Without such a view beyond the present pain of suffering, into the glorious hope ahead, one’s spirit can be dampened by the misery of hardship. It’s the reason James encourages us to count it joy when faced with suffering of various kinds for the Lord (James 1:2).
Friends, we have a living glorious hope in Jesus that awaits all who remain true to the faith. Let’s faithfully face any hardships in the present time with this in mind. Jesus, for the joy of the glory ahead, endured the cross and is now seated at God’s right hand in glory. We too shall, if we follow His path.
Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Hebrews12:2-3 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Shalom children of God.