Disappiontment
Have you ever been disappointed? When we set our eyes on and settle for false hopes in this life, we become disappointed. But real hope grounded in God will not disappoint us. Romans 5:3-5 says "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
This passage tells us to rejoice in tribulations, not because they are enjoyable but because through those trials we learn to cling to God and trust him for deliverance. That trust produces perseverance that creates character that results in hope.
We will have troubles in this world, but when we do, we need to see God at work even in the midst of our trials. When we choose to trust God, we let go of judging him by the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Instead, we judge our circumstance by what we know of God: his faithfulness, unconditional love, and grace.
Paul says in Romans 8:28 ""we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." How does Paul know that God works for the good of those who love him? Because he has lived under God's grace and he has experienced God's deliverance even in the midst of being imprisoned and chained for the sake of the Gospel.
In the midst of your struggles, don't live under the lies that Satan tells you: you can't bear the struggle or that it will last forever. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Instead, cling to God, persevere because God is faithful; and as you persevere, God will produce character in you that rests in a strong and sure hope that sustains you today.
Pastor Boyd
This passage tells us to rejoice in tribulations, not because they are enjoyable but because through those trials we learn to cling to God and trust him for deliverance. That trust produces perseverance that creates character that results in hope.
We will have troubles in this world, but when we do, we need to see God at work even in the midst of our trials. When we choose to trust God, we let go of judging him by the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Instead, we judge our circumstance by what we know of God: his faithfulness, unconditional love, and grace.
Paul says in Romans 8:28 ""we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." How does Paul know that God works for the good of those who love him? Because he has lived under God's grace and he has experienced God's deliverance even in the midst of being imprisoned and chained for the sake of the Gospel.
In the midst of your struggles, don't live under the lies that Satan tells you: you can't bear the struggle or that it will last forever. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Instead, cling to God, persevere because God is faithful; and as you persevere, God will produce character in you that rests in a strong and sure hope that sustains you today.
Pastor Boyd
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