Romans 5:3-5 tells us to glory in our sufferings because they develop perseverance, character, and hope. Hope doesn’t lead to shame because God loves us and has given us the Holy Spirit. Then we read the proof of God’s love is that when we were sinful and powerless, Christ died for us. The longer I live and the older I get; I increasingly realize just how powerless I am. I am increasingly thankful my hope is grounded in Christ and not in myself. I’m still learning that my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
Adrian Timmons 