Endurance > Character > Hope

Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I have been counseled in the past, when I am feeling sad or unhappy, to think of five things for which I am thankful. I know that I have much to be thankful for, a roof over my head, a nice bed and food on the table, but
I don't seem to be enjoying all that very much because of my other hardships and circumstances that are definitely not enjoyable

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 Paul summarizes his trials by listing the hardships he faced which included being beaten three times, pelted with stones three times, shipwrecked, endangered from rivers, robbers and his own people as well as Gentiles, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, many periods of fasting, coldness, and nakedness. In Acts 16 Paul and Silas where stripped of their clothes and ordered to be beaten with rods. They were then thrown into the inner cell of the jail and their feet fastened in leg irons. What did Paul and Silas do? They prayed and sang hymns to God, edifying and encouraging the other prisoners.

It astonishes me to reflect on these accounts of Paul's dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. It makes me think twice about complaining about my current circumstances. I will study here patience, courage and trust in God. I will learn to think less of myself and find ways to honor God in all things.

No trouble, however severe, should hinder me from praise.