Hope does not disappoint us

"...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

I don't know about you, but some days it's really hard for me to hang onto hope. The sufferings seem to get in the way. And asking me to rejoice in my sufferings is like asking me to enjoy a root canal without novocaine.

But somehow there's a beautiful, wonderful, powerful truth there that I must grasp. It's part of the upside-down - no, the right-side-up - reality of life in Christ. It doesn't make sense, but somehow it's true, & rich, & freeing, & right. Somehow in the midst of the pain we find that our hope in God has not disappointed us.

Lord, I need help learning to rejoice in my sufferings. Help me to hang onto hope when there doesn't seem to be much to go around. I'll do it, for Your sake. Amen