Isn't it amazing how God gave us words thousands of years ago that still ring true in our hearts today? That the same things the people struggled with when Jesus walked the earth, we struggle with today? We always need His presence, His sovereignty, His love, no matter when we live.
This past week brought surprises that our family didn't want. We would never ask for them, hope for them, or desire them to become our reality, but they did. Cancer. Hard, painful, scary, cancer in Jesse's dad. The tears are flowing freely lately, and so we find comfort and truth in our Creator. He has many names in the Bible that carry meaning behind who He is. As we have been praying, we have been recognizing him as all sufficient, El Shaddai (Gen 17:1), the God who sees, El Roi (Gen 16:13), and the God of my strength, El Sali (Ps 42:9).
In preparation for teaching and leading our students in Romans once the tours begin, we have been studying Romans more deeply than ever before. In six months we're only through chapter six! It's been especially precious to have the Word of God stored in our hearts and minds during this time. This verse will remind us of where to focus our attention for the road ahead.
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Rom 5:3
Holding onto this truth renews my mind from the way the world sees trials, and death, to the way God designed trials to be. I had the small epiphany this last week that I never stopped to ask what we are hoping in, or for, in this verse. If trials bring perseverance, and then proven character, and then hope, in what or for what are we hoping? We are hoping in God, in Him being glorified through our sufferings, in His perfect plan and will....for whatever He will do next. We trust Him, and we rest there, no matter what.
Romans 8:28 " And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." We love God, and therefore can rest on this truth that this is for our good and His purposes, somehow.
If nothing else, times like these teach us how to love deeper, grow stronger, and pray harder. All of which make us better wives, husbands, children, and spiritual leaders.
Pray with us as we walk this road. We'd appreciate the encouragement!
Kelly
I understand greatly pain in suffering, I have experienced it many times in my lifetime. The only thing that has gotten me through is standing on His promises! He is faithful always and even in our darkest moments when it seems as if He isn't there, He wants us to trust...I never speak before having experienced. Thanks for your reminder to Hope, without it, there is no purpose!
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