Romans 5:3-5 - Turning Trials Into Testimonies.
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when
we run into problems and trials, for we know
that they are good for us - they help us learn to
endure. 4 And endurance develops strength of
character in us, and character strengthens our
confident expectation of salvation. 5 And this
expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how
dearly God loves us, because he has given us the
Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
COMMENTARY PEARL
Tracie Steger loves her pets - all seven
cats and two dogs. The Spring Hill, Florida,
resident took daily walks with her pets to the
amazement of her neighbors. None of the pets were on
leashes. Steger worked hard to train all of her pets
to come when she called, even the cats. Her
pets were so well behaved that she often left
them outside in her yard to roam around
unsupervised. But when Steger called her pets inside for
dinner on November 15, 2009, Giggle-Blizzard didn't
come. The one-year-old gray kitty was known for
his playful attitude but had always been
obedient. Steger immediately grabbed her golden
retriever and searched for him for hours. The next day
she put up "Lost Kitty signs and posted an
announcement on Craigslist.
For more than a week, she didn't hear a
thing. Then on Thanksgiving - eleven days later -
she heard yowling on her porch. She opened the
door, and there was Giggle-Blizzard! His back legs
were smashed (probably hit by a car), but he was
alive and home. Steger couldn't have been happier.
Even two surgeries and $3,000 in veterinarian
bills didn't bother her. She was glad to have her
kitty back. Giggle-Blizzard showed amazing
perseverance. Despite being hit by a car, he dragged
himself home on his front legs.
The apostle Paul wrote a lot about
suffering. In Romans 5:3-4 he says, We also glory in
our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope." Honestly, we usually don't rejoice
about suffering; we complain about it. Nobody
likes to suffer, yet Jesus promised that we would
have trouble in this world as we follow him (John
16:33). But in the midst of our troubles, we can
find peace in God's power.
Take a closer look at today's verse.
Notice the result of suffering. When we go through
a hard time, it teaches us to never give up.
That attitude builds our character, because we
know that no matter what happens in our lives, we
can overcome it with the Lord's help. And all of
that leads to hope. Can you remember a time in
your life when you learned something through
suffering? Talk to a parent or grandparent and ask them
the same question. You're sure to hear some
amazing stories. God works in our lives in many
ways: one of those is through suffering. [Case For
Christ For Kids by Les Strobel]
COMMENTARY
What do you really believe about God? Not
what you say you believe or even ought to
believe, but what do you actually hold to be true
about Him. Here's how you can know. The next time
you run into a difficult, painful, or even
heartbreaking situation, watch how you react. Nothing
reveals the stuff of which your Christian beliefs
are made than tough times. Maybe that's why
today's Scripture urges us to "glory in our
sufferings" and James counsels us to "welcome trials as
friends" (Jam. 1:2). In fact, these hardships will
teach you - as nothing else can - the real quality
of your faith.
God, of course, already knows what's in
your heart. He just wants you to know. Do you
believe He is kind and good? In control of the
details? Do you believe He is sovereign and has a
purpose for your suffering? How you respond to your
trial will make it plain to you.
Lord, I know how often my mouth gets
ahead of the reality in my heart. I can say or
write faith-filled messages by the dozen, but it
all rings hollow if I don't cling to You when I
suffer. I'm really tired of just talking about it,
Jesus. I want a faith that runs deep and carries me
through anything. [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni
Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby]
Sometimes because of faulty decision
making or maybe just the press of multiple
circumstances, we find ourselves tired, discouraged, and a
little burned-out. Yes, a vacation or a weekend
away might help. But it may not be a change of
scenery we need as much as a change of perspective.
Today's Scripture provides that very thing: "Not
only so, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character,
hope." Paul is saying, Stand the test, friends. For
the end is in sight. Hope is on the horizon.
Sometimes we think of the suffering in Romans 5 as
huge life catastrophes. We forget that God's
grace-giving power is mostly for everyday sorts of tests
and trials. What are your tests today? Where do
you need perseverance, staying power, and hope?
Ask God to help you step back and see a bigger
picture than the trial right in front of your nose.
He uses everything in our lives to mold our
characters and make us more like His Son.
I'm thinking of the words of that old
hymn - "Just for today, Lord, just for today.
Keep me and guide me, just for today." For the
next twenty-four hours, fill me with the grace to
face each setback and stress point with patience
and joy beyond my own. [A Spectacle of Glory by
Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby]
We often think that we could be happy "if
only" we had fewer problems, or more advantages,
but it is very unwise to put off being happy. Be
full of joy now, because "now is all that you
have. We all hope for many tomorrows, but today is
our only guarantee. This day is a gift from God
and it would be tragic to waste it being
unhappy.
Even if your circumstances are unable to
provide your joy, let Jesus be your joy. Just
imagine having your problems and not knowing Him!
None of us enjoy dealing with painful situations
in life, but we can rejoice and trust God's
promise to work something good out of them (see
Romans 8:28). We live in a world where the sin
principle is at work, and we should face the fact that
nothing is perfect here and it never will be.
God invites us into a life where,
although we cannot avoid all difficulty, we can find
a place in Him to live above it. The Bible
calls it resurrection power! (See Philippians
3:10.) I urge you not to waste your time thinking
that you would be joyful "if only things were
different in your life. Serve the
Lord with gladness and always remember that
the joy of the Lord is your strength!
Father, You have given me many blessings
and I want to always be joyful for You and what
You have done for me. Forgive me when I put off
being joyful until another time, and help me to
always rejoice now! [My Time with God by Joyce
Meyer]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Do not expect to be treated fairly in
this life. People will say and do hurtful things
to you, things that you don't deserve. When
someone mistreats you, try to view it as an
opportunity to grow in grace. See how quickly you can
forgive the one who has wounded you. Don't be
concerned about setting the record straight. Instead
of obsessing about other people's opinions of
you, keep your focus on Me. Ultimately, it is My
view of you that counts.
As you concentrate on relating to Me,
remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness
and holiness. I see you attired in these radiant
garments, which I bought for you with My blood. This
also is not fair; it is pure gift. When others
treat you unfairly, remember that My ways with you
are much better than fair. My ways are Peace and
Love, which I have poured out into your heart by
My Spirit. (Col. 3:13; Isa. 61:10; Eph. 1:7, 8;
Rom. 5:5) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170214-0934.html
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON 28 REVELATIONS OF
JESUS
1st of 28: Divine Dining:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_7j1QIKqmY
2nd of 28: Pictures of the Divine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lNI-OQ7-eQ
3rd of 28: A Dirty Bible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMkPvBuuFd4
4th of 28: Cared For:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztXyJVdcCds
5th of 28: Saved:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX45kGRe1HI
6th of 28: You Can Change:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd0gkvK18fo
7th of 28: Reprogramming Our Brains:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov36f_RapXc
8th of 28 Our Holy Father:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XabXLEXsxbY
9th of 28 Gifts of Service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtuGZviodkA
10th of 28 The Holy Spirit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in89XVs4cGo
11th of 28 The Law of God:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Q601HjogI
Live ongoing series in progress.
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
