“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
We’re continuing to work our way through Romans 5 to find all of the things God did for us at the moment of our salvation. Check out the last two devos to catch up with the list so far.
Do you ever suffer? Of course you do. We all do. We might not say, “I’m really suffering” when we get sick or hurt or lose something that matters to us, but suffering can include emotional as well as physical pain. Suffering is part of life for everyone.
But for those of us in Christ, Paul says, suffering has a point. In fact, suffering is worth celebrating because it gives us another chance to exercise our faith in God. And that exercise builds our Christlike character. And as our character grows, we learn to hope in God with greater and greater confidence.
Think: Have you ever actually rejoiced about your suffering? Can you see how suffering for believers can be a good thing if it makes us more like Jesus and makes us more convinced of God’s goodness?
Pray: Ask God to help you to be grateful even for your suffering, and thank him that you don’t ever need to suffer pointlessly.
Do: Add the next benefit of salvation to your list: 5) Our suffering helps us grow.