Grace Notes – Gracious Perseverance
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our
introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in
hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our
tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and
perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope
does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within
our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:1-5 NASB
Perspective:
Perseverance, patient endurance, purposefulness, all these words convey a willingness to remain faithful even when life is hard. Paul, the author of this passage, endured great suffering throughout his ministry. He learned that the refining fire of perseverance produces lasting changes in a believer’s heart. The transformation takes place slowly as we lean into the trials and tribulations God brings to conform us to the image of our Savior. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Persevering through the stresses of life and choosing to trust God when life is falling apart or not going in the direction we planned is evidence of growing faith. Once we are justified by faith in Christ Jesus, our trials have a purpose: to increase our faith and anchor our hope more securely to the Lord. These trials are not random or meaningless but purposeful tools in the hands of a loving God, shaping us and strengthening our faith. God gives us what we need as we face tribulation and will pour His love into our hearts to help us graciously persevere.
A Touch of Grace:
What trial are you facing that requires perseverance?
How has God proven your character through perseverance?
Grace Application:
Perseverance is complex and may be described as the purposeful planting of one foot in front of the other, trudging through tough times. Okay, I may have gone overboard with the alliteration. But you know what I mean. When life is hard, it may feel like our feet are stuck in the mud, making it hard to keep going.
However, persevering through trials and choosing to keep moving forward (even if our shoe comes off in the mud) reveals our character. Sometimes, what is revealed isn’t pleasant. Through tribulation, God has shown me the state of my heart, and I have been shocked at the gross sin that came out. Bitter complaining, self-pity, ferocious anger, ugh…just when I thought I was doing okay.
Trials aren’t meant to bring despair but hope. They remind us that God has not left us alone in our walk of faith. Still, He provides opportunities for us to leave our old way of thinking behind and trust Him to use times of suffering to perfect our character, to make us more like Christ.
Our hope is found in Christ Jesus, and this hope will not disappoint. It is a steadfast anchor amid life’s storms. God pours out His love within our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Our hope in Him gives us the strength to graciously persevere as we mature in our faith and prove that our hope in Christ is more precious than gold. This hope is not fleeting or uncertain but a solid foundation we can always rely on.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful that I am justified by faith in Christ Jesus. Thank You for the tribulation that brings me running to You, which reveals my need for perseverance. Forgive me for the times I grumble and complain, and help me see that the trials will refine my character so I become more like Christ Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me graciously persevere, knowing that my hope in You will never disappoint because Your love has been poured into my heart. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubts can be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**