Glory in Suffering

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"

Romans 5:1

"Glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

The experience of depression and anxiety may feel a lot like suffering. These experiences are not for the faint of heart (so to speak). So often people wonder why it is that suffering has to occur. Why does suffering have to exist if you are already chosen by God as His child? The answer can be as simple as: it is part of the world and not part of God. Or it can be complicated. But in taking the more simple route. You've already learned and heard about God's amazing love for you, if you choose to accept it. You've also learned about the sacrifices that He made in opening up that love for you. And you've learned about His promise that He will be with you. He does not promise that things will be easy, and He does not promise that suffering will go away. But He does promise that He will be along for the ride, whether bumpy or smooth. You are not alone in the sufferings of the world.

You might often look at the trials that people go through as growing opportunities. These trials and tribulations that others go through are experiences that allow them to look at their current situation and the goal that they have for the outcome. Most people do not argue with growing, or learning from experiences. Most people don't complain about a little pain here and there. The struggle comes in the experiences that come and come and keep on coming. The struggles that happen over and over again. These might resemble the experiences of depression and anxiety. For some people these experiences have become second nature. It is not that they choose them, rather that their body goes into defense mode. It becomes a natural response to go through these ups and downs. Or to go through these moments of panic. This sometimes reflects a less severe form of anxiety and depression. However it can equally be experienced by someone who experiences it at a more sever level.

What it seems Paul is sharing in this verse from Romans is that through these struggles you are often pushed to cling closer and hold on tighter to Him. You may find yourself praying more often and turning more frequently to Him, seeking His guidance, His love, His response, and His comfort. It is through these actions that you begin to experience perseverance. This perseverance creates character. And from this character you begin to experience hope. This may mean to say that hope does not just come from experiencing the struggle, but from going through it and overcoming it time and time again. So it is not shameful that you experience the struggle, and it is not shameful that you experience the struggle over and over again. It is actually God's love that He continues to be by your side despite these struggles because He has made the promise to never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). If you can overcome it now, what is to say that you cannot overcome it again? And if you have overcome it before, what prevents you from being able to know, and experience, that you can overcome it now? This hope is the answer. And the hope comes from Him.

And after all is said and done, when the suffering subsides for awhile or a little bit,

then Glory is truly experienced.

Scripture:

Romans 5

Romans 5:3-5

Deuteronomy 31:6

Questions:

How can you reframe the experiences of suffering in your own life?

What prevents you from experiencing His glory?

What holds you back in times of struggles?

What gives you perseverance? Character? Hope?

Prayer:

Lord, Heavenly Father. I turn to you in times of trials, tribulations, and hope. I turn to you when the struggle is real. I turn to you when I have overcome this and seen the other side of the trial. Lord, I seek you now as a reminder to turn to you in thanks. For being alongside me on the hard days, and being there too on the good days. Lord, I pray that through whatever path you place ahead that others may see your glory. That others may find your love through their hardships because it is through you that these moments go. It is through you that these moments become nothing more than a moment in time compared to the purpose you have in store of each of us. Lord I pray for those who are in their season of trials, their season of tribulations, and their season of hardships. And I urge them to find hope in you. I pray for those who are out of this season and how they can be a glimpse of hope and light for those still struggling. Lord, I pray for those who need you. I pray for those who know you. And I pray for those who have not met the love that you have for them. In your son's name. Amen.