Hope

July 5, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 5:3,4. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

God gets our attention through suffering as we are reminded of our dependence on him. Suffering stimulates our thirst for him; it is an invitation to draw near to him. And his response reveals his sovereignty. When suffering strikes and adversity sets in, a sincere heart of thankfulness and trust reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

There is no need to run and hide from suffering, nor to wallow in negative thinking when things go wrong. God brings good out of all things for those who love him. We know that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. And with hope, we’re never left on our own.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, help me to accept the sufferings of life as times to teach me to depend more on you and your goodwill toward me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ​