Bible Verse of the Day Wednesday February 3rd 2021

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans chapter 5 will be familiar to soul winners, the 8th verse being part of the "Romans Road," 5:8-But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Earlier in this book, Paul had explained and confirmed the thesis of "justification by faith," as shown to be confirmed by evidence from the Old Testament, as he had in several other writings of his. In this chapter, Paul talks about the great blessings that come to those justified by faith instead of those who think that their good works will get them in a right standing with God. 

The list of blessings from "justification by faith" is listed in this chapter; however, we could not count the full measure of blessings through human numbering or reasoning. First, Paul shows peace with God (Verse 1); secondly, God's grace is freely given (verse 2a). The third blessing in the list in this verse leads us to our verse today (3-4). It begins in verse 2b and goes through verses 3 and 4; that is, we can praise God in our trials and tribulations because we know they are for our own good. The sufferings and trials that we go through will serve to mature us into better Christians, more effective followers of Christ Jesus. The book of Job clearly shows this concept, as well as does the 12th chapter of Hebrews. Paul knew firsthand how we could glory in our sufferings because he lived a life that led to trials and tribulations most every day of his ministry. 

Let us praise God when these trials come our way because we know that we will come out of them and come out on the other side of the tribulations, a more mature Christian and a better and more effective servant of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Christian emphasis on suffering is not tolerant acknowledgment or acceptance of difficulties; it is the hope we know in Christ Jesus, knowing that trials and tribulations are for our good and God's glory. We should never attempt to offer up excuses for our suffering if it is a consequence of some transgression of our own making (1 Peter 4:15-16).

Struggles produce uprightness that we would not have without these tribulations in our life. This uprightness, in turn, creates confidence in the promises of God. The world gives in to the inexorable; however, the followers and believers in Christ Jesus accept trials with an assurance of eternal life. This confidence brings about an unwavering and unfaltering hope that the world cannot even comprehend.

Because Jesus paid the eternal consequences on the Cross of Calvary, He has forgiven us all our sins.  Nevertheless, we still have to experience the natural effects of our sins and the wrong choices we might make. The good news is that God will even utilize those times of sorrow and anguish to pattern and mold us for his objectives, and our good.

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