5:2 Through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand,
and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
5:3 And not only in that, but we also glory in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
Romans 5:2 - 3
I was writing back and forth with a friend the other day about Matthew 5:1-5, a different friend this time. Right now I am really stuck on these verses. Perseverance is what came to the for front of this conversation. I wrote to him that it seems like when times get tough, I have to work so much harder at staying faithful. Not that I lose my faith, but I can be tempted by things that God does not really want for me or my life. It is easy to fall into bad habits or self destructive ways when you are tired or maybe feeling depleted.Last week I wrote about reading Matthew 5:1-5, and what stuck with me was Matthew 5:2 and 5:3, "glory in tribulations" and that creates perseverance. Maybe when I praise God and remember to "glory in tribulations", then I will remain more steadfast in my faith, even when things get tough. When we are seeking God, with Perseverance, the Holy Spirit will lead us in the direction that God wants us to go. Following God's lead will always make it easier to deal with tribulations.
5:4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope,
5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into
our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:4 and 5:5
I would love to hear what comments you have. I always love hearing from you.
Have a blessed day.
Debi
Thank you for such a wonderful message! Many times in my life - these verses have helped me through difficult times. This part is great: "God's love has been poured into our hearts" - POURED - that's alot of love!
ReplyDeleteThanks again
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com
Hi Angie,
DeleteYou are who first brought it to my attention a few weeks ago. It has really stuck with me. I do love that part, that God's love has been poured into our hearts. Have a great weekend.
Debi
I needed this today!!!! Definitely feeling tired and depleted right now. I thank the Lord, I was led to your message! I know the Lord will give me the strength and endurance I need when I feel as overwhelmed like I do right now. His peace will restore me. Thank you so much for this timely message of hope! It did wonders for me and my spirit!!!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
DeleteI am so happy to hear from you. I had no idea what I was going to write, except that it needed to be on this. I had to ask God to lead me. I know he will give your the strength to get through. I am grateful that these words were able to help you.
Have a great weekend.
Debi
Great post! Love the verses!
ReplyDeleteBTW I stopped by to tell you I've nominated you on my blog for an award! Accept it here: http://bookofloulou.blogspot.com/2012/08/liebster-award.html
LouLou,
DeleteThanks you so much for the Liebster Award. It is so kind of you Have a great weekend.
Debi
Hi, Thanks for the post. I know that when times get tough a person needs to stay focused on His love and strength. I am so happy that I am in a place of rest with Him. I am going through some pretty tough physical times at the moment. But I have felt that I know He will pull me through this, and it is a great comfort. Thanks so much for your wisdom today!
ReplyDeleteblessings,
Susie
Hey Susie,
DeleteI hope that you are okay. I know things can get tough at times. I am so happy that this was able to give you a little comfort. He is a big God, and anything is possible through him.
Have a great weekend.
Debi
I just want to let you know that I love how you do this Bible Study every Monday. I really do look forward to it! I'm really glad that you posted this because it feels like that's where my husband and I are at in are lived right now. I know that we will come out strong on the other end though and I'm thankful for such a great God to give me that feeling. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Christina,
DeleteHe is a great God, and apparently this was something that he wanted you to read today. I am so amazed sometimes at the way he works, and then why am I surprised. He is truly amazing. He is God.
Thanks for stopping by.
Debi
a beautiful, much needed message!!
ReplyDeleteHi Annmarie,
DeleteI am so happy that it reached you. Isn't it beautiful that God leads in a direction that will help us when we need it. He knows what we need when we need it and provides.
I am happy that you came today.
Debi
This message was meant for me like with others. Thank you for your ministry....I feel God is using you as a messenger to speak to our hearts. I know I am praying he could show my family his will for us with our trials, that we may truly praise and serve him. But I too feel like I am going in self-distructive circles and not moving forward. I pray I can honestly ...glory the tribulations....in our lives. Thank you so much for being there for us.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but I know and understand your feelings. God is with you, and he will help you. i pray a lot and ask God to lead me. I work really hard at being obedient, not always easy. I wish I could help you more. Let me know that you are okay. I would appreciate hearing from you, to know that you are okay.
DeleteGod bless you.
Debi
I agree perseverance is so important through tribulations, but it is also important to guard our hearts from tribulations. Many people live in the present and don't prepare for the future. I try to prepare for it by following God's Commands in the Bible and sometimes I fail miserably and need his grace, but it is important to try. Thanks for sharing at Mom's Library!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing that. I am always so grateful for the people that God sends my way to teach me other lessons. I really appreciate that you shared that. You are correct. I also fail miserably at times, but I do try also.
DeleteDebi