More than conquerors in Christ
October 2, 2009 (Friday)
People have troubles of many kinds. Suffering can be physical, mental, social or spiritual. People suffer physically and emotionally. They suffer financially. They suffer in relationships and they suffer inwardly with mental problems.
Paul was no stranger to suffering. Instead of complaining about his being shamefully mistreated in many places where he shared the good news of salvation by grace, he encouraged us to make the most of suffering. In Romans 5:1-5, he says, suffering leads to perseverance, perseverance to character built by experience, and character gives hope.
Paul was an example of steadfast endurance. His life reflected his “never give up” attitude. One day they left him for dead outside the city, but the next day he was busily sharing his faith. He never gave up. Even in prison when hope seemed impossible, he wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14 KJV).
Paul excelled in character produced by experience. Experience is sometime devalued by those who feel there is nothing to be learned from it. The truth is, character is built by experiences with Jesus Christ in one’s daily life. As our faith is tested in life, it becomes stronger.
Paul was full of hope. He knew deep in his heart that the kingdom of God was going to spread. He knew also that neither death nor life could separate us from Christ and his love for the people of the world. He concluded, therefore, that we should be optimistic and look to the future with joy and confidence.
Here’s the Scripture passage in which the above thoughts were found: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).