Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 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.
This hope that does not lead to disappointment means that you don’t skip class on God’s school of character development. It means you understand and believe by faith that God never wastes pain and suffering but has a pathway and a purpose for you to go through so you can experience a living hope that never disappoints.
So the next time you find yourself in a hopeless desert, in the fire, in the storm, in the trial of your life…stop and instead of praying for God to get you out of it.
Pray these two prayers:
1. God, is there a lesson you are trying to teach me?
2. What character are you trying to produce in my life?
And then take an SAT test.
Seek God’s purpose in the storm.
Acknowledge his presence, truth and leading.
Trust God no matter what.
It may be the best SAT score you ever had because it will be filled with hope.
I can’t wait to talk about how “Hope Is An Anchor For The Soul” tomorrow night. If your looking for hope, it will be the perfect night to come.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Bill Rieser
Encounter Pastor