Charlotte Harris
Romans 5:3-4
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
So let me get this straight. The Apostle Paul wants us to actually be happy about suffering? Well, not exactly. Let’s unpack that. Notice how this verse says “in” and not “because of”. We learn much during times of suffering and that, in turn, makes us stronger. We aren’t content in the suffering, but we know that through the suffering, we will build strength, endurance, and perseverance. Just as a baby learns to walk, the child must fall down. We aren’t happy that the baby fell, but we can hold on to the hope that the baby is getting stronger through each step, and even each fall.
God will never leave us. Throughout each trial, struggle, temptation, time of darkness, and beyond, He is there. We can reference the Bible in so many ways about this topic, and I think of the story of the three men in the furnace from the book of Daniel. When King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that everyone bow down and worship his god, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. The king had them bound and thrown into the furnace. Instead of seeing three men burning alive, four men were seen walking around in the fire. Who was that fourth man? It was our Lord. The same one we serve today. He never left them, and He will never leave us.
The perseverance we build in times of suffering will help us to develop a Godly character. You see, suffering is never wasted when we allow ourselves to lean into God during those times. Out of the suffering, I will have a greater hope, a greater faith, and a greater trust in the Lord.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for standing with me through each fall. I know that you are with me in every trial. You help me to build strength through allowing me to go through difficult times. Thank you for showing me Your glory through it all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 