Hope in Suffering

“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 5:3-5)

In this passage, Paul paints a triumphant picture of hope. This is a hope that is steadfast even in the midst of suffering. We can see in these verses that the victory and triumph isn’t that suffering has gone away, but that through suffering we gain endurance, character, and shameless hope. We are able to have this kind of hope because God has poured his love into our hearts through his Spirit. This hope and this love are what carry us through every trial and storm.

Being joyful in the middle of suffering is not an easy or natural thing for us, but with the knowledge of the love of God close in our minds and heart, we will find the strength for every hardship.

When we are faced with suffering, let us hope in the love of God knowing that that hope will never put us to shame.