"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." ~Rom 5:3-5~
I am drawn to these verses often in times of my own struggles, my own tribulations. But this morning, I am drawn to them to persevere with others during their times of tribulation.
Yesterday afternoon, one of our church members, a minister, was hit by a drunk driver...The driver is also from our community. A lady God has crossed my path with often, close to my own age, with children close to my children's age. Interestingly, we have had many of the same trials in our past, from childhood through adulthood. We have talked and shared the hope of Jesus several times. I know now that as my heart aches for the dear minister and friend as he looses one of his legs and faces a life-time of changes, so will this young mother face a life-time of changes. Both will still need to be ministered to, and loved, and to hear the hope of Jesus.
These verses also remind me to persevere when friends abandon you. Forgive them anyway, love them anyway. Life is too short to waste it angry all the time. They need you, and you need them. Life takes people from you without choice that you can never get back...Just be ready to love the ones who return, forgetting the past.
And these verses remind me of my kids. If there is anything I know about raising 5 kids, it's the fact that they go through rough patches. Different tribulations for each of them. And at times it will scare you, take you by surprise to see what area of attack the enemy has devised. But their struggles are not who they are. They are not defined by their weaknesses, but rather by who God created them to be. That's our job as parents, to remind them of that, and to persevere with them in love, to help them get through this rough patch back to smooth sailing. It's our job to help God mold character in them through this tribulation.
Persevering with others in difficult times, through the love Jesus has placed in your heart and in my heart....that's the hope that never disappoints.
