Romans 5: Be Thankful for the Tough Times

"...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through 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. ³Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." 

 It's difficult to see any good in the tough times in life. When we're at our worst moments-- moments of death, illness, financial ruin, stress, difficulty--it can seem impossible to see any "silver lining" to these dark times. I know I often fall deeper into the darkness as I my own pessimism draws me deeper into despair. How could I possibly be thankful for the tough times? There is nothing to be grateful for! ...or is there?

The bad times in life teach us much more than any good day could. The bad times teach us how to be strong. How to work hard. The bad times also bring us face to face with what we're living for. Because we have Christ as our Savior, we can see beyond the suffering. Whether the suffering is short-lived and we get to pick ourselves up and continue on in life; or whether the suffering is our Final Moments... it is from suffering that Joy is born.

We have hope because we have Christ. Our suffering isn't meaningless or fruitless. Our suffering doesn't end in more suffering. At the end of it all we find the peace, love, and joy found only in God. We can be thankful because our bad times teach us valuable lessons and make the good times that much sweeter.

While prayers of thanksgiving may get caught in a Stumbler's throat because the pain of life is choking them... God promises a reward to follow. If we can't thank Him now, we will thank Him later. There is alway hope in a life in God. And hope is a very powerful thing.

Thank you, God, for giving me Hope.
-Me