Scripture Reading
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.
Reflection
Paul does not say suffering is pleasant — he says it is productive. The chain of endurance to character to hope is not automatic; it requires the choice to rejoice in what God is doing even when the process is painful. Hope that has been forged through hardship is a different, sturdier thing than hope that has never been tested.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, my hope is in You alone as I face the many storms of life that constantly seem to be battering at my door, with increasing intensity. Lord, they seem like billowing waves beating against everything that has spelled security in my life
up til now, and causing me to realise that without You I would be overcome in a moment of time. Help me Lord, to look to You and maintain that hope that I have in You, knowing that without You I am nothing, but with You
at the helm of my life I have all I need to stand firm in the faith.
Lord, thank You that by Your grace I have been made a new creation in Christ and thank You for the promise of hope that is set before me in Him. Thank You, that my hope was founded on You the moment I first believed, but forgive me Lord, for over the
years I know I have drifted far away from You as I tried, in my own strength, to be the captain my own life and negotiate through its little surges and swells by my own skill and cunning. Lord, I ask Your forgiveness for
being so careless with my relationship with You, for You alone deserve my praise and thanksgiving for You alone are the source of my life and the sphere of my hope. You are the faithful Shepherd of the sheep and the Rock
upon Whom my hope is founded. Lord, I pray that as the intensity of life's storms increase all around me, that I may cling ever closer to You, and rest all my hope upon You, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
up til now, and causing me to realise that without You I would be overcome in a moment of time. Help me Lord, to look to You and maintain that hope that I have in You, knowing that without You I am nothing, but with You
at the helm of my life I have all I need to stand firm in the faith.
Lord, thank You that by Your grace I have been made a new creation in Christ and thank You for the promise of hope that is set before me in Him. Thank You, that my hope was founded on You the moment I first believed, but forgive me Lord, for over the
years I know I have drifted far away from You as I tried, in my own strength, to be the captain my own life and negotiate through its little surges and swells by my own skill and cunning. Lord, I ask Your forgiveness for
being so careless with my relationship with You, for You alone deserve my praise and thanksgiving for You alone are the source of my life and the sphere of my hope. You are the faithful Shepherd of the sheep and the Rock
upon Whom my hope is founded. Lord, I pray that as the intensity of life's storms increase all around me, that I may cling ever closer to You, and rest all my hope upon You, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
Amen.