January 19, 2020 A HOPE THAT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT
Romans 5:3-5 “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Really? Exult in tribulations? There is much to learn and much insight to be gained if we understand and believe what these verses tell us. First, let us be realistic-tribulations will come; if we believe that because we are believers, we are exempt from trials and tribulations, we are in denial of the truth. It is well established that suffering and tribulation has been experienced by believers throughout church history. However, the tribulation we surely will face is not without a purpose. It is through tribulation that we gain perseverance, and perseverance develops proven character, and character brings about hope. No doubt we all want to be a person who perseveres, who has proven character, and who has hope. Only as we see the fruits of tribulation can we exult in the tribulation. Sadly, for many, including believers, trials and tribulations lead to defeat, depression, and hopelessness. We must understand that there is a hope that disappoints, and there is a hope that does not disappoint. If our hope is based on the outcome we desire, when it does not happen, we are disappointed. The hope that is based on the faithfulness of God in all circumstances, is a hope that does not disappoint. The test for us is this; does our hope rest solely in God, no matter our circumstances or the tribulation we may be experiencing? The key element in all of this is knowing and experiencing the love that God has poured into our hearts. It may sound far-fetched, but you can say that when we experience His love personally, nothing else matters. I know-things do matter-but the love of God makes all the difference and it is His love that is the bedrock and the power that overcomes whatever we face. In God-there is NO disappointment. All of this is not to belittle or make light of trials and tribulations-they are real and they are painful when going through them. The scriptures tell us to pray for one another, encourage one another, and that when one suffers, we all suffer. When we experience difficulties, we need the encouragement and support of other believers. It is a miracle that in the midst of trials, we can come to know God in ways that we did not know Him before the trial. In the mystery of God and in His all-knowing, He knows that when we are in need, He is able to reveal Himself to us in personal ways and to show Himself strong on our behalf. 2 Chronicles 16:9. So, we do not need to look for trials, they will come; but when they come, there is much benefit to be derived from the trial-if our hope is steadfast in the God who loves us.
1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you by His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Buddy
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