Redeemed and Rewritten - Part V
Scripture:
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Observation:
Romans chapter five and Mother’s Day Service hit me deeply this week. One thing that stayed with me was the reminder that God’s glory is not just something we admire from a distance, but something He invites us to experience through a relationship with Him.
Pastor Julius encouraged us to ask God boldly and personally, “show me your glory, Lord.” This has now become my daily prayer. We were reminded that, when we have peace with God, we have hope in His glory; even in suffering, God is still working. Sometimes we think trials mean God has left, but He hasn’t.
He promises to never leave or forsake us. On the contrary to that thought, He is very much with us and uses those seasons to strip away what was never meant to stay attached to us in the first place. He refines us through trials, strengthens us through perseverance, and develops true Christian character within us. Perseverance develops character, and character strengthens hope.
There have been many times I’ve questioned whether I was strong enough for the difficult seasons. I am sure we all have, but we can rest in knowing that God never allows a challenge in our lives without also equipping us to overcome it. “As your days are, so shall your strength be.” That encouraged me because I realized that, now when troubles come, I can say, “I was built for this day;” not because of my own strength, but because Christ strengthens me every single day.
Application:
We are called to rejoice always, not just when life feels perfect, but also in suffering. We can only do that when we truly grab ahold of what Jesus already accomplished on the cross. When our hope starts to fail, we must stand on the truth of God’s Word and believe that His love has been poured into our hearts, so that truth can remain steady even when doubt creeps in. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything will fall into place according to His will and timing. Have we truly committed every part of our lives to Him, or are we still making excuses for the things we know we need to surrender?
Christ died for the ungodly. For me. Even while we were still sinners, He chose the cross. When Pastor asked, “Would we die for the person next to us?” That was an easier yes for most than the next question: “What about someone who offended us?” That was a much harder thing to consider. Yet, Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for all humanity. That kind of love is overwhelming. This Mother’s Day, I was reminded that God’s grace covers every shortcoming, His strength sustains us to do hard things, and His glory is revealed the most in difficult seasons. Because of Jesus Christ, alone, we can continue forward with hope.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for reminding me that every season has a purpose, even when moments feel uncomfortable and painful. Help me trust that You are building perseverance, character and hope within me. Strip away anything in my life that doesn’t reflect Your glory and teach me to seek your kingdom first above all things. Let my life reflect your love, your glory and your grace in every season–In Jesus name, Amen.