Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)
I have always looked at the progression of words in Scripture lists. To me there is an intentionality in their specific order. In the case of this text (vs 3-5) we see the progression clearly. For those of us with faith in Jesus, the purpose in suffering is to teach us to persevere. As we learn to persevere we gain endurance, and exercising that learned endurance builds our Godly character. As we allow God to shape and develop our character we see more and more clearly the hope we have only in Jesus - that hope of resurrection, eternal life, and heaven. The hope that gives all glory to God! That hope that allows us to rejoice in all circumstances.
This passage truly gives us the answer to living in peace through these challenging times. We can persevere during this time as we learn to endure it with our eyes on Jesus; watching how He shapes and develops our character to be more and more like Him. Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. This hope can be shared with the world as we let the overflow of what the Holy Spirit pours into us spill out on others! I believe it is in this way God can work all things together for our good and His glory! God's peace to you! REJOICE!
-Kim Violette, School Ministries Administrative Assistant