From Suffering to Hope
Scripture Reading
. . . we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
– Romans 5:3-5, NRSV
Reflection
On first reading of verse 3, you may think Paul spent just a little too much time in the dungeon. He really did say “we boast in our sufferings.” Who in the world would boast or find glory in suffering? Paul, are you crazy?
No, Paul is not crazy, he is describing the attitude we can choose about suffering. No matter what grief or pain you experience in life, you can choose to rise above it. You can choose to move from suffering to hope.
Suffering forces us to face our human limitations. Whether it is a worn-out body, disease or accident, injustice or insult, or the emotional depths of grief, we all learn that bad things will happen to good people. Paul reminds us that suffering can be a great teacher if we are open to learn.
Suffering can turn your attention outward, away from yourself toward God and other people. In our suffering, you can grow into a closer dependence on the comfort and encouragement of God’s presence in your life. Suffering can help you recognize God’s great love for you and be a source of strength in your time of need.
Suffering can also make you more empathetic toward others. Your experience of suffering helps you know what it is like when others suffer. You discover how we all depend upon one another. As we share our suffering in community with others we are better able to rise above that suffering. As you turn your attention away from yourself toward God and others, your suffering will lead you toward hope.
Paul also writes that suffering produces endurance. As you turn your attention toward the presence of God in your life you gain inner strength to persevere. God’s presence gives you the inner strength to endure your suffering.
Paul also reminds you of how endurance develops character, the mental and moral qualities of your life. Character is who you choose to become. Character is developed in you as you choose to see beyond your own suffering to learn what God has to teach you or to acknowledge the grief and pain in someone else’s life. Your character is transformed as you look beyond yourself to see God and others, turning away from your hurt toward your hope.
Hope is found when you trust in God in the midst of suffering. Hope is the assurance that in all things, God is with you working for good (Romans 8:28). You can be at peace no matter what happens.
God’s love within you allows you to turn away from yourself and your suffering, finding strength in God’s presence with you. God’s love enables you to rise above your suffering, reaching out to others who can suffer with you and offer comfort to you. When you choose to turn your attention away from your own suffering and participate in this work of God, you will rise above your pain and grief into the hope of God.
Exercise
In what ways are you suffering today? What situation causes anxiety, pain, or grief in your life? As you reflect, write your responses to these questions.
Think of a time in the past when you suffered in a similar way. Were you aware of God’s presence in your life during your suffering, or after your suffering ended? Did other people offer comfort and encouragement in your past suffering?
How might God be working in your suffering today? How is God leading you to choose to move from suffering toward hope?
Greg Smith, Director of Legacy Ministry, First Baptist Church Decatur