Devotional by Shaneice Miller Thomas, 2020 graduate of Tower of Hope Ministries
Romans 5:1-4 NIV, “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 boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Suffering is a hard concept to grasp. How can glory come from suffering? How is it possible that pain can bring gain?
Jesus is our perfect example. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, ‘if we suffer with him then we will also reign with him.’ We often want to reign without the rain.
It is important to stay focused on the benefits of suffering and not just the burdens.
In Romans 5:1-4, we have been given 3 benefits that will come from our suffering:
- Perseverance – enduring patience
- Character – proven faith under trial
- Hope – confidence and expectation
So today, I encourage you to glory (rejoice, boast, and have joy) that suffering is a blessing with benefits.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for allowing me to share in the suffering of the Savior. I know that the benefits will outweigh the burdens and others will come to know Jesus because I surrendered.
Declaration:
I will leave others with my gain, not my pain.