Rejoice in our Afflictions

Scripture: And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Observation: This is a promise of God ... our afflictions and tribulations and trials and challenges have a purpose, and that purpose is to strengthen - not damage - our relationship with God by strengthening our hope and dependence upon God. We will instead learn of God's love, poured out upon our everyday lives, and reinforce our understanding of his love for us through Jesus.

Application: I sit in a time of affliction, attempting to endure, and actively striving to place my hope in God. Honestly, I am wavering a little, but that is certainly because of my nature to control, and today I have little control over anything. I am seeing that praying for and hoping for God's love and God's control is, in fact, my best-case scenario. And that encourages me! I am indeed confident in his love, and I understand that any outcome is by his plan and purpose.

My life, my family, my career, and all that has come with it ... it has always been a gift from God, and completely under his command and control. I know better than anyone that I have not earned anything that I have. Ever. It is foolish of me to ever consider how I can then manage these things. So I surrender them to the Lord, knowing that this affliction will, in fact, fulfill his promises of love and protection. As I sit here today, I trust fully in the Lord, as his love is poured upon me.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love this day, and every day. I prayed for a promise, as I have done often, and you delivered within seconds. You alone are my hope, my Lord, my savior. I praise you in this storm. Amen.