I've never met a person who "wants" to live a life without hope, but I've also never met a person who enjoys times of suffering.
Read these words from Paul:
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
God asks us to rejoice in our sufferings?
How?
Why?
Well, if you break down the verse, it sounds like when we do then we are truly able to reach a point where we are living with HOPE! The very thing that everyone longs for!!
When my kids go through a tough chapter in their life, I know deep inside that eventually it will make them a stronger person. I know that their perseverance is being strengthened. I know that they are developing stronger characters. It is often painful to watch them as they work through their problems, but eventually the day comes where the light shines through again and who they are after suffering is such a better person than who they were before.
I cling to this passage every time I am facing a tough situation, because I want to live with HOPE!
So, if you are having a tough day, tough month, or tough year, please remember.................
when we are able to see the good in our suffering we will develop perseverance, then character, and eventually deep, abiding HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!
And this HOPE that we have will not disappoint us!
I remember one time when we were making plans for a vacation, Todd and Olivia were talking about something that had to do with the trip that they weren't sure about, and Olivia said,
"We can always get our hopes up."
This morning, I just want to encourage you all to "get your hopes up!!"
We will not be disappointed when we have the HOPE that comes from allowing God to pour His love into our hearts.
PS I will continue Battlefield of the Mind after the wedding. :)
Much love,
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