Thursday, June 11, 2026

Scripture

“We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.’” Romans 5:3-5

Reflections

God can bring good from most anything.

There is nothing good about suffering in itself.  Nonetheless, the Apostle Paul reminds us of what God can bring from it.  When we have lived through suffering in the past, we find that we are strengthened for the next chapter.  Endurance comes from having strength.

Suffering and endurance also reveal our true character.  People discover what kind of person we really are after we have been through life’s trials.  People of faith will shine.

Hope follows in turn.  Why?  Because a believer in Jesus Christ has hope based upon Jesus Christ.  Those who trust in Jesus know that with Jesus they will endure trials and Jesus will someday make all things right.

We wouldn’t necessarily wish suffering on others.  But, when it comes to what we’re living, we know that God can make something good and precious from it.  God’s love will prevail.  We have hope that comes from the Holy Spirit within our lives.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for bringing good from bad.  Thank you even for the trials that come my way.  Use each and every situation to your good.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Romans 5:1-8