3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 ESV)
God will not hold back all suffering from us even if we are good, faithful followers. This world is a fallen and broken place where every form of suffering exists. Much of what we experience is there to provide for us a proven character. One that has shown exactly where our faith lies and exactly who we believe has our backs.
A proven character is one that has endured hardship and not turned from God. One that knows that God’s hand is in everything that is happening and continues to hope in His proven character. Yes, this may mean enduring hardship. But as our scripture says, this “hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”.
Reflect on: How life, and God’s plan, has created a proven character within you.
