…we glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character;

and character, hope.

And 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

Suffering -> perseverance-> character -> hope

I’ve been thinking about this a lot this week – that the end game of suffering is hope.

I think the first part makes sense. Suffering produces perseverance – sure. People from all world views/religions, even those of no faith at all, could probably claim perseverance as an outcome of suffering. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” and whatnot.

But hope? It’s just not a natural byproduct of suffering. Suffering is usually characterized by hopeLESSness. Only by the Holy Spirit can hope rise from the ashes of suffering.

How? I don’t really know.

…Perhaps an awareness of our weakness makes room for His strength.

…Perhaps our anguish fuels our desire for the eternal things, which points us toward hope.

…Perhaps in suffering we relate more with the suffering of Jesus, and this constant reminder of Him ushers in the hope.

If you’re somewhere along the path of these four words and haven’t gotten to the hope part yet…I’m praying for you today.

Keep an eye out for the hope.

God’s word says it’s coming.