October 19 – Hope in Suffering

Read: Romans 5:1–11

Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us. Romans 5:3–5a

In our culture, suffering, struggle, and trial are experiences to be avoided at all costs. We have succumbed to the belief that if it is uncomfortable for us, it must be bad for us. However, our God can use even the deep and heart wrenching challenges in our lives to produce something of lasting value in us: endurance, character, and hope.

Do you remember a time when you suffered?

Lord God, I long for everything to go well in life, but that is rarely the case. I find I am often beset by hardship, disappointment, and anxiety. I pray that You will indeed use my present affliction to strengthen my faith, my resolve, and my hope in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.