3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [a]perseverance; 4 and perseverance, [b]character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 NKJV)
Hope does not disappoint; I think we can see the truth in this line of scripture as our hope is in heaven and salvation, both of which Jesus assured for us. But how can we, when tough times linger, reside in this hope?
Well, for one thing, the Spirit will not abandon us, nor with the Father nor the Son. Well have the assurance of all of scripture that our triune God is always there and never changes. Our hope, even through extended difficulty, can be in what God is doing in our life through the circumstance. As our scripture says, “because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
This may require that we look at how we see hope in our Christian walk, and search our hearts for the motives behind our faith.
Reflect on: The value of hope through the difficult times in how we respond.
