"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"

Rom 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Rom 5:4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. Paul is talking about the subject of tribulations, those times when we run into problems, or trials. And, He is going to tell about how the Lord can use them in our lives. So, let's dive in, and see what is said here.

2. In addition to the previous things he has been saying about rejoicing, Rom 5:2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
He goes on to say that we can also glory, or rejoice when we run into problems.

So, we not only can rejoice as we look forward to being with the Lord one day in glory, but while here on earth, we can also adopt and live out this Biblical prescription on how to rejoice in our problems, trials and hard times. Who does not need this wonderful explanation and teaching from God?

3. Here's why we can rejoice. ( And, by the way, it's not rejoicing by saying, "oh I just love this painful thing that has come upon me ) but it's a rejoicing, knowing what this problem, this tribulation, this trial will bring into our lives. In other words, we know they are good for us, and they can help us to learn, and to gain endurance, or perseverance. He says it very plainly, "Tribulation produces perseverance"

4. But, there' more. In fact, Paul lists two of them. Rom 5:4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. So, the perseverance, develops strength of character in us, and the character strengthens our hope, or our confident expectation of salvation.

5. The last thing that happens, and that is the cause of our rejoicing is found in the 5th verse, Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. There are two things that Paul says here.

(1) This expectation, this hope, will not disappoint us. Plain and simple, we will not be disappointed.

(2) Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. And, who does not need His love in their lives,? And who does not want to walk in His love,? I know I do. I'm certain You do also.

So, let's pray together, shall we:

Father, trials come, and You can use them. Thank You that You give us many things to rejoice in, in spite of our circumstances. And, by looking to You, having faith in You, taking Your Word to heart, acting upon it, these trials which are not pleasant, can actually turn our for our good. In fact, Lord, this is exactly what You promise. So, we would like to pray today for ourselves ( if we are going through a trying time ) or for those who are reading this devotional, and just take a moment, to pause and lift up our brothers and sisters who may be reading this, and are themselves going through a trying time, and for those we know who may not be reading this devotional today.

Lord, would You please minister to them today. Would You please speak to them, and give them direction, so as to help them get their eyes off of their troubles, and onto You. And, to learn from You how to move through the trial. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.