In this passage the Apostle Paul encourages believers to rejoice in future hope, but even more than that, to actually glory in God through our present tribulations, and in the work of Christ. We are victorious, which is what justification is all about, and we will be vindicated, experientially realizing that we are God’s children because through trials we still have a love for God and know His love in our hearts. We can learn and actually grow in grace through these things. This doesn’t mean it isn’t suffering it means its effects are transformed for the believer in Christ. When the chips are down, we can have an overcoming experience. God means to give us a fresh touch from His Holy Spirit, to make us realize once again that we are His.
This is not about a stiff upper lip but a freshly touched heart. This is not theory this is experiential.
Where is your hope? The answer is in the glory of God (verses 1-2) and through the trials because of the Holy Spirit (verses 3-5).
This grace that we access by faith, this grace that gives us a hope for the future and hope in our trials, this grace means we can take the focus off of ourselves and put it where it belongs, on God, and worship Jesus free of the guilt and without having to medicate our pain with sin. We can have a fresh touch from God when we need it and we can give God the glory, rejoicing even in trials, because the love of God and for God is shed abroad once again into our hearts. We have peace so let us be at peace. You don’t have to let trials make you feel like you’re no good, you can learn to deal and realize God IS good. God knows you and He loves you. It is time that you come to really know Him. |
