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Romans 5

Good Morning “Those blessed through suffering.”  Today we’re in Romans 5.

Blessed through suffering… what a strange concept.  Having hope in the midst of darkness is indeed a blessing but how does it come?  According to Paul, who definitely knows, hope comes through suffering.

“And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In fact all the byproducts of suffering are counted as blessing.  James seems to agree.  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we suffer through tough life stuff we don’t usually count it as joy.  Recognize however that some of the best lessons, some of the deepest growth happens through the tough stuff.  In sports we know that training for competition usually isn’t fun.  It is however essential.  A good training program produces success.

Furthermore, there are aspects of Gods character we only get to see in the midst of suffering.  There has to be a trial for us to experience peace that transcends all understanding in the midst.  We often don’t recognize answered prayers until we’re on our face pleading.  How would we know God is still in the business of doing miracles unless we need one.

Joy isn’t happiness.  Joy isn’t dependent on circumstances.  pure joy only comedy through Jesus in us.  I don’t thing James or Paul are suggesting that we’re gitty happy when things go bad, but we can be full of joy knowing Gods got a plan, and is about to do something big!  In the end even if we don’t like the plan, we have promise that it’s GOOD!

Love you all!  Dig in!