March 29, 2018

How Suffering Leads to Hope

Romans 5:3–5

Cristyn Smith
Thursday's Devo

March 29, 2018

Thursday's Devo

March 29, 2018

Central Truth

God does not disappoint, even in the midst of suffering. For it is by rejoicing in that suffering that we are led to ultimate hope.

Romans 5:3–5

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Dive Deeper | Romans 5:3–5

Why rejoice when we hurt? Doesn't that mean to celebrate? How can one be joyful in the midst of suffering? We can because in doing so we allow God to initiate a domino effect in our lives—directing us from suffering to endurance to character and finally to hope, a hope that only He can provide and that anchors us (Hebrews 6:19).

The story of Job serves as a great example of choosing to rejoice in suffering. Even in the midst of so much loss, Job held tightly to the belief that God knew him and cared for him. God knew Job was blameless and that Job would come forth from all the suffering pure as gold (Job 23:10). Even through all our suffering, God’s desire is ultimately to refine us and draw us close to Him. That doesn't always happen if all we experience is the good stuff and good times.

I came to better understand the story of Job in a very unexpected way on this day ten years ago. Without warning or preparation, I received the news that my five-month-old nephew, Billy, had passed away unexpectedly. It was a solid few months before I could get to a place of rejoicing in that suffering and to allow God to refine me through the suffering. I clung to God, knowing full well that He still knew me, He knew my family, and He cared. From that grief, and additional grief that I’ve faced over the past ten years, I’ve learned firsthand how choosing to rejoice in my suffering has ultimately led to a beautiful and unending hope.

I love how the Message Bible phrases today’s key verse: "In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary--we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" (Romans 5:5, The Message) How amazing is it to reflect on that truth?

This month's memory verse

20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—

– Romans 3:20–21

Discussion Questions

1. What is your first response when suffering or grief hits? Are you able to rejoice, or does it take some time?

2. Do you truly believe that God knows you and cares for you, even in the midst of your suffering? Why or why not? 

3. What would you say is the greatest character-building suffering that you’ve endured? How can you share that experience to encourage someone else?

4. Music is often a great tool to minister to a heart that is suffering. Check out MercyMe’s “Even If” and let God pour his love over you through worship.