GRATITUDE FOR THE RESULTS OF SUFFERING
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;
and character, hopeG1680. And hopeG1680 does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,
whom He has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
God enables us to have peace even in the middle of suffering. Since we are focusing on “gratitude,” we are going to see how suffering when faced by the power of the Holy Spirit can produce in us a chain reaction that ultimately leads to hope.
We all face various kinds and levels of “suffering.” We may face physical suffering due to a disability, injury, or illness. We may suffer emotionally such as depression, anxiety, fear, etc. We may consider ourselves suffering due to the current economic climate, job loss, or other stress. Since we are standing securely in the grace of God and the certainty of our salvation through Jesus Christ, we can rejoice—yes, be joyful— and remain at peace even while undergoing pressure. As we face these trials by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus takes us through this chain of events: Pressures help us develop perseverance (patient endurance) which, in turn, builds proven character, and ultimately enables us to remain hopeful. Some pressure is temporary, and according to Paul all our earthly problems are fleeting:
Colossians 4:17 For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.
However, as Susan points out, those “light and momentary” things can feel awfully permanent while in our “earth-suits”. When we are stuck in suffering—pressure—and cannot see relief in sight, we must endure or as in the translation above “persevere”. We have learned that perseverance is not just enduring but pressing on despite the pressure.
The next step in the chain is developing proven character. Charles Swindoll in his Living Insights commentary on Roman likened this to metals such as gold and silver being proven by fire or soldiers proving themselves in combat—“triumphant fortitude.” When we endure patiently or persevere, we will come through the pressure triumphantly. Our character will have been proven. Remaining Christlike while you feel like you are walking through fire or slogging through mud is a challenge that can only be met by relying on Jesus, by tapping into the Holy Spirit’s power by prayer!
Once our character is proven by persevering through the pressure, we are even more sure of our hope, the guaranteed outcome of following Christ. The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament defines the word for hope as follows:
G1680. ἐλπίς elpís; gen. elpídos, fem. noun. Hope, desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it . . . (II) Spoken especially of those who experience the hope of salvation through Christ, eternal life, and blessedness (Rom. 5:2, 4, 5).
Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).
We have both observed that once we have endured some particularly difficult circumstance, we realize we have grown in our relationship with Jesus. Those who work out on a regular basis understand this concept. Strength is built through pushing through resistance, such as lifting a weight or swimming against a current. One does not become stronger or more fit by simply standing in a gym watching others sweat. Think of the pressures of life as that resistance that will develop proven character in you. Keep moving forward toward the goals God has set for you despite that resistance. Your perseverance will pay off as you trust in the Lord to enable you to push through! Prayer is how we tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to persevere! We need to express gratitude to God for the fact that suffering leads to the positive outcome of growing closer to Him and strengthening our hope!
Father, thank You for encouraging and enabling us to persevere through suffering of various kinds. Help us to always remember to lean into Your power through persistent prayer!
Worship with a song from Serenity@Serenity called “Joy in Suffering”: