The triumph of our faith is present and eternal, but sometimes our current reality is a nightmare. Yet even in the worst of times, we can rejoice in suffering because our justification in Christ guarantees a glorious eternal outcome. Nothing that happens on earth can change that!
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit – Romans 5:3-6 ESV
Suffering –> Perseverance –> Proven character –> Hope
Persevere and don’t lose hope!
Proven character isn’t found in the trouble alone. It is discovered and fleshed out as you patiently persevere. And having been refined and strengthened as you endure trials while trusting God, you will have hope that anchors your soul no matter what comes your way!
If you’re going through a difficult time, know that God has not lost control. He has promised to work every experience out for your ultimate good and His glory. From your limited perspective, seeing how anything good can come from the worst things in your life is difficult.. But God sees the whole picture. He sees exactly what this experience is producing in you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him completely! Even and especially when it is the hardest to do so.
Why does God allow suffering? Because for the time being, we live in a fallen world that’s been out of whack since the first sin in the Garden of Eden. God has allowed the enemy to have temporary and limited influence, but He has not given up control. Nothing happens in the lives of His redeemed children without His consent; through it all, we are promised His strength, peace, love, and ultimately His victory. We have the assurance that one day all evil will be destroyed!
Be assured of this: The love of God that saved you will also surely keep you!
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6 ESV
“If He loved us when we were still dead in sin, much more will He keep us and preserve us now that He hath justified us. Were His enemies redeemed? Shall not His friends be kept?”
Charles Spurgeon
