hope Helps Us Persevere

And we ^b boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we ^c also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Thoughts: The hope in the glory of God helps us to endure our sufferings now, but also gives us a goal and strength to ease the sufferings of others.  Hope of relief enables us to hang on.  Hope in God is not disappointing- but it is fulfilling.  Hope in God gives meaning to both suffering and perseverance.  There is a reason to not give up.  Hope in a life to come means that this life is not all there is, and we can more easily let go of our tight hold of today.  There is a tomorrow, and it is better than now- if we have faith.  There are those who long after this hope even though they do not want to have faith.   

Prayer: Lord, help me to persevere and endure pain with hooe.