What Is More Important

5.24.2011

Romans 5:3-5 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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. NIV

It’s hard to say what is more important in these brief sentences. Suffering seems to be the catalyst and the catalyst is usually a very important part of permanent life-change or personal transformation. But then patience can be a big, big deal as well because patience helps us see the good, endure calmly, and disregard the discomfort of suffering, the catalyst. And then there is character – the golden formation of tangible goodness and godliness in our lives. And who can forget hope which says this all has a perfect and complete ending which culminates in supreme happiness in the presence of my Savior; His promises are real and they are true!

So the gift of suffering can’t be overlooked because of its ability to get us to move – and once we move change begins to take place in our hearts and souls. We don’t glory in suffering: “Levon wears his war-wound like a crown…”; we accept suffering because we know it’s what get the ball rolling; the wheels turning; the water flowing.

Nor can we under-appreciate patience – the ability to endure as if nothing is wrong because in truth, if God is in charge, and our lives are being transformed by Him, then nothing is wrong – it’s all alright. And character – what a marvelous gift – that of character – becoming the real deal and being able to withstand the temptation to flee, complain, criticize, and grow inward and small; it enables us to handle the true gift of hope, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11.1) When the chaos crescendos and the crap is flying all around us and on us, hope enables us to see and remain steadfast to the glorious end.

What if today Jesus were to bring Solomon-sized blessings into my life and those blessings ended up becoming like Solomon’s wives; and I lost all sight of what is really important? Or what if Jesus were to bring great discomfort into my life for a season, and I came out on the other side of that season more like Him?

Lord Jesus,
Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And in hope I’m never disappointed, because our God and Father has poured out His love into my heart by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given me. Lord Jesus, whatever it takes – amen.