By David ReayWednesday 30 Oct 2013LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 0 minutes
Transcript:
Read Romans 5:3-5
3 We can rejoice,too,when we run into problems and trials,for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character,and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us,because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT)
There are times when life is a matter of endurance,of perseverance. Exciting plans,wonderful good news,stimulating change,new horizons,are not on the agenda. What has gone wrong? Most likely nothing at all. Life has its seasons. We sometimes leap ahead and sometimes hang on for dear life. We sometimes bask in the sun and sometimes endure the clouds. This passage reminds us of the essential normality of the times when we have problems and are called to endure.
But endurance is not misery or defeatism. As Paul reminds us,endurance or perseverance is a good thing and is developed in tough times. After all,we don’t find it hard to ‘endure’ wonderful holidays and intimate relationships. And endurance stiffens our faith and points us to the confident expectation we have of being empowered by the love of God. We might have to grit our teeth and cling to God by our fingertips,but we don’t do so in an atmosphere of hopelessness. Despite circumstances,we know God loves us even if the love doesn’t take the form we prefer.
We persevere not being sure of whether things will change,or when or how they will change. We prepare ourselves to change,to enter a new season,to relinquish old dreams and dream new dreams. But for the moment,we hang on. Not sure of very much at all,but sure at least of the mysterious yet demonstrable love of God.
Blessings
David Reay