…And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5: 2-4)
A few weeks ago, I watched a heart-wrenching interview of a 75-year-old senior female who is scared to death of the future. As she spoke to the interviewer her distress was evident. Her lips quivered and her voice and body trembled as she shared her raw feelings concerning her fear. Hope, it seems, is in short supply these days.
But Paul writing to the Roman church reminds us that our boast is not in the circumstances that surround us but in the glory of God. Paul invites us to view suffering, uncertainty, and fear from God’s perspective. He says, “…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” And hope is that essential ingredient, without which life would not be worth living.
That 75-year-old interviewee is not alone. Daily we are surrounded by people living under all kinds of burdens. Some worry about their future: will there be enough money to survive? Some do not see their children as often as they would like. Others fear losing their physical and mental capacities. Still others are wrestling with questions about their spiritual and eternal destination. Hope is what we all need. Not a false hope based on some Pollyanna-feel-good philosophy, that promises riches and wealth untold. But real hope, based on God’s unchanging word and infallible character. Hope--The gift that only God can give.
This hope is certain and based on the trustworthy promises that God gives. And because God is infallible and completely reliable, we can boast (celebrate and praise) in his glory. He is a Father who is able to use the current miseries of our lives to make us what he wants us to be. He is able to transform us into instruments of love and compassion who transmit this genuine hope to others.
Therefore, turn all your worries over to him, and watch him move powerfully in your life.
Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, the world around us may be chaotic, but your peace surpasses all understanding. We invite your peace into every corner of our hearts and minds today. Calm the storms within us and silence every anxious thought. We surrender our worries to you, trusting that you are working everything out for our good. Help us to be ambassadors of hope and peace in every situation we encounter. In your perfect peace, we will rest. Amen