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Romans 5:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
A few weeks ago, at the Winter Olympics, we saw incredible athletic achievement. We sit in the comfort of our living rooms watching in awe as the Olympic athletes push their bodies to the limits. But what we do not see is the suffering that led them to this place of glory. We all want glory, but rarely do we want the suffering that comes first. In a similar way, Christ has suffered for us on the cross. Our future glory is secured by him. It is completely based on his hard work for us. Are you going through something right now that is causing pain and suffering? Maybe this is God’s way of exercising your faith? Maybe God is producing in you perseverance, character and hope? Let us hold fast to the One who has suffered and won the glory of God for us!