“Our Hope is Unchanged”
1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame [some versions: hope does not disappoint!], because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)
I love the pattern of this passage. It opens with the foundation of all that we believe: because of Jesus we are reconciled to God. And this makes us happy. But we can also find joy in our times of trial or suffering, because through it, we see Him again. We are often reconciled to who He is even more honestly in the middle of our trials than in the middle of our triumph. And it isn’t until we’ve come through the suffering that we can really understand what hope is . . . and how it is maybe the only thing that never disappoints us.
Next weekend I’m speaking to a church group using my testimony against the backdrop of this Scripture. Claire will be my visual illustration of how near God is when we are at our weakest, and I’m going to attempt this gorgeous Natalie Grant song as well. If you click the link, you’ll be able to listen to the song (look for the play button just above the lyrics box). Enjoy for Music Monday!
(photo thanks to chocolatepoint on Flickr)
I can’t wait to listen. I wish I could hear you speak and sing this! When and where, Chica?
Yah… when and where??
It is this Saturday evening (May 1st) at the Shelbina Baptist Church. I’m not sure of the exact time. It is an annual meal and special speaker for their women’s group. Grandma Harriet set it up.
These ladies are in for a real treat! I know they will be encouraged.
I wish I could hear you do this. It sounds like it will be awesome. You’ll do great!
I would love to hear you teach & sing! I’m sure it will be excellent and the ladies will gain much from it.
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll ring the rafters and touch hearts.