(Rom 5:1-5 NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing with “The Big Picture” by picking up where we left off yesterday. I gave you the definition of endurance, character, and hope because these are the key words in this passage. Now that you have the definitions, let’s discuss how/why each is important in our lives.
Endurance: I would love to tell you that the day you give your life to Christ is the last day you will ever face a challenge on the earth. However, if I did, you and I would both know I would be lying. Life in Christ is not less challenging than life outside of Christ and one can make the argument that the challenges come even stronger and more frequent once we are Born-Again. The difference is what is happening on the inside. Before (without Christ), we often buckled under the external pressures of life. Now (with God in, on, with, and for us), we can remain at peace internally regardless of how strong the external pressures get. This supernatural peace is what enables us to “endure hardship as a good Soldier in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 2:3) without giving up. If you don’t develop endurance (also translated as patience) you will never see the promises of God manifested in your life and you won’t maximize your purpose or potential.
Character: While endurance is about remaining strong and consistent while the pressures of this world urge us to quit, character is what is produced in us during the process. While I don’t glorify suffering, hard times, or challenges, I do acknowledge the fact that we are often forged into spiritual champions as we overcome the challenges we encounter on the path to our life’s purpose. No doubt about it, who you become is more important than what you face. If you compromise your faith, values, or integrity because of a challenge, then you failed that test and it will come around again. You don’t get a passing grade on the test of character just because you are getting older. Either you will develop Godly character or you won’t, but it will not be handed to you. In this series I trust you have learned about remaining in faith, standing your ground, maintaining your integrity, and never giving up. If you do these things you will develop Godly character and in the end, it will all be worth it.
Hope: In the world people say, “Don’t get your hopes up, because you might be disappointed.” However, in Christ the Lord says, “Get your hopes us, because my hope does not disappoint.” We have a hope that springs eternal. If you ever lose your hope along the way, then you have lost. You will never keep going when the pressure is on without hope. Paul tells us that God literally poured out His love in our hearts by His precious Holy Spirit. With God’s Spirit and His love inside of us, we should never lose hope. In God we are never hopeless, because we are never helpless.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for helping me to endure like a good Soldier in Christ Jesus. I develop the force of consistency in my life. No matter what comes my way, from day-to-day, I am determined to never give up, cave in, or quit. I endure, hold on, stand fast, remain in faith, and never stop believing in Your best for my life. I shall see Your promises manifested and while I am waiting for them, and overcoming challenges along the way, I develop Godly character. I pass every test, I refuse to compromise what I believe, and I will never violate my integrity. And lastly Father, I thank You for supernatural hope. I have a hope that does not disappoint. I will never lose the hope I have. Your hope fills my heart and it keeps me going when the world is telling me to quit. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
