Joy and Confident Hope

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Joy and Confident Hope

Andrea Lende • June 18, 2022

Romans 5:3-4

Joyful and Confident Hope

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Joyful-and-Confident-Hope-e1k4t34

Romans 5:3-4

Moreover, let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

And endurance develops maturity of character. And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Paul talks about rejoicing in times of trouble.

Easier said than done.

It’s difficult to embrace joy when things are difficult.

When we are in the middle of a trial, we just wish it was over.

In fact, we cannot wait until it ends.

We may even wonder how much more we can endure.

Hence, the word endurance in our passage.

However, our trials are necessary.

We have the opportunity to see God work in miraculous ways.

Our faith becomes stronger.

And we begin to see the utmost importance in turning our eyes to heaven instead of focusing on the world.

It’s much easier to understand the meaning of our tests and trials when they are in our rearview mirror.

We usually see that we’ve drawn closer to God.

We see He’s done a work in us.

Then we see the wisdom in our verses today.

The words that stand out to me are, “And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.”

The habit of being joyful when things are difficult is an amazing habit to form.

Habits take practice.

Lots and lots of practice.

Fortunately, we are given plenty of opportunities to practice this in our everyday lives.

May we have hope in eternity with our God and Savior as our trials continue.

Today I will embrace my trials so I can nurture the habit of being joyful and have confident hope in the Lord.

May you find God is doing a work in you as you encounter your trials and that you are able to remain joyful through them with His help.

Daily Prayer:

O Lord, thank You for doing a work in us. Thank You for the promise that You will continue to work on us until we see You in heaven. Thank You for walking with us as we face trials and difficulties here on earth. And thank You for building our character with each trial. Help us be joyful in You no matter what our circumstances are. You are our Creator and Almighty God. You know us, see us, and continue to cover us in Your grace. Keep our eyes on You and help us focus on Your Light. Draw us closer to You, Father. Keep us at Your feet. Keep our focus on eternity with You instead of the problems in this world. Lead and guide us today day and every day. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

Answer: I AM at work in You continually, doing a new work in you to increase your faith and draw you closer to Me.

Response: Undeserving of Your time and attention, thank You, most gracious and loving God. Amen

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