HOPE!!!

“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.” Romans 5:3-5

When I’ve read and meditated on this section of Scripture before, I’ve always focused on verses 3 and 4 that talk about how our suffering produces hope. And that’s important, especially when we’re in the middle of suffering (i.e. this recent week-long migraine!).

Tonight, though, I was struck by verse 5 - “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.” Wow!! From our suffering we eventually get hope – which doesn’t disappoint us because of God’s love.

God, the almighty Creator of the Universe, poured out His love for us by giving us Jesus for our salvation and then by giving us the Holy Spirit for our constant comfort. What an amazing promise that is! There are not words enough to express the magnitude of what God has done for us.

In the middle of our suffering or in the middle of our happiness, we have the hope of God. God has poured his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Whatever is going on, God bathes our hearts with his love by the Holy Spirit. Amazing. Stupendous. God – who is beyond time and space – cares enough about each of us to love us. There are no words (although I’m sure trying!).

Whatever God has put into your life right now, remember to rejoice because God has given you hope through his Holy Spirit. There is nothing better than that!!