³ More than that, we^[d] rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.

³ More than that, we^[d] rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.

Romans 5:2-5

Our grandson Noah (and also his mom and dad) have been staying with us for a couple of weeks during their “work from home” orders. That means that I have been getting an opportunity to read him some of the children’s books I have been collecting. One night recently we spent a little time in Pete The Cat’s Groovy Guide to Life. In the book, Pete told us about a quote from Henry Ford who said “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that an airplane takes off against the wind and not with it.”

In another book, we learn that the Apostle Paul faced some pretty stiff winds of conflict in his daily life. When writing to the Christians in Rome he reflected on what he might have gained from the turmoil.

Suffering either breaks us or makes us stronger.

Suffering produces endurance.

And endurance produces character.

And character produces hope.

Hmm.

Prayer

Help me, Loving God, to endure the difficult times in life, hoping and trusting in Your presence. Give me hope as I walk the path of discipleship with my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.