“The Root of Hope“, by Rev. Mike Holly
Paul tells us that suffering and trouble lead to endurance which in turn leads to the development of character. And it is from a developing character in the likeness of Christ that we find hope in the midst of both valleys and mountain tops.
The season of Lent is an opportunity for those who follow Christ to develop a Christlike character. Whether or not you are enduring trouble at this time, this holy season is an opportunity to commit to spiritual practices that have the power to transform our character and give us a gateway to hope in God. See below what Paul has to say about the roots of hope.
The Word
Romans 5:1-11
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
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