Verse of the Day 2/11

Verse of the Day 2/11

Romans 5:3-5

New International Version

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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.

Our Monday Men's Bible Study Fellowship Group is going through the book of Revelation.  Last night we were in Revelation 14 and part of the discussion revolved around hope in the midst of sufferning.  I don't know how many of us could say that we "glory" in our sufferings, but in looking to Him we can praise Him even in the midst of our trials for His presence and guidance through them.

The lesson book used stated "The abundant life Jesus promised is not a life free of trouble but rather a life in which God is glorified.  Believers find His strength and even joy in the midst of suffering.  Christians lives often flourish through difficutly......When we suffer, God tenderizes our wayward hearts and teaches us how little we control.  We learn to dpend on God (and His Word) when we realize how much we need His sustainiing grace."   Amen to that!

The verses above mention perseverence and character and these things are grounded in the hope that we have in Him. This hope does not disappoint.

Seversal songs came to mind in relation to these thoughts.  The hymn "Praise Him, Praise Him" speaks of the hope of eternal salvation, just think for a minute of the scope of what that means to you. Now, read below some of the words from Jeremy Camp's song "There Will Be a Day".  This is our hope, and it is not a maybe, it will be.

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth
That we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you?re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you?ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don?t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that?s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life?s sting

What is the sting in your life today.  Be assurred that the beauty that's iin store will outweigh this life's hurting.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV