HOPE (a sequel to "Rejoice")

In "Rejoice," I introduced the idea of choosing joy in the midst of suffering. Today, I want to take the next step and encourage those of us who are choosing to rejoice. 

Romans 5:3 states, "...We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

I don't know about you, but 2020 left me craving for hope (shoutout to For King & Country and their song, "Hope Is What We Crave"). I find this verse particularly encouraging because of its promise of hope. 

Many other translations replace "glory" with "rejoice." When we rejoice in our suffering, we learn perseverance. As we practice it, perseverance builds character. And finally, the formation of our character gives us real hope. 

As we walk into 2021, we can hope. But we must learn to rejoice in the suffering before we can truly experience hope. One step at a time. Today, I will rejoice. I will persevere. I will strengthen my character. And finally, I will hope.