10 Dec 2014
Thoughts#3405
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because
we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out
his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Most of us do not like suffering. When our life takes a turn
from the normal, we often end up acting out. We may yowl and holler in
frustration as we rail against the situation. When this doesn't bring the
desired change, bad temper and pity parties may make their entrance, followed
by a stage of plea bargaining with God to open the doors of whatever suffering
has us confined within such an intolerable situation.
We read our Bible more. We pray continually. We do every good
act of mercy we can manage, yet still, the constraint of suffering is not
lifted.
Perhaps, it's because the journey is not yet over, a journey
which God has allowed us to embark upon that we might become larger -- more
mature people -- spiritually.
3405