Living a Life of Hope (12) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1–5 NKJV

Living a Life of Hope (12)
I am sure everyone reading this has been through difficult times of one type or another. Trials come to all of us—no one is exempt! The purpose for the trials that come in life is to produce something in us. Paul mentions that these trials and tribulations produce perseverance, character, and hope. Then he adds that hope does not disappoint. What a great reminder of the purpose of trials! They are to point us back to the hope we have in Christ. Peter speaks of the living hope we have as followers of Christ; then he mentions that trials may come and why, saying, “if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6–7).

Trials are allowed in our lives that we may cling to what is ahead and not what is behind. This is the hope we have as those whose hearts have had the love of God poured into them by the Holy Spirit. He is not only conforming us to the image of the Lord Jesus through our trials, but He is reminding us that this world is not our home, and we look forward to seeing our Savior face to face! “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 Jn. 3:3).

-- Tim Hadley, Sr.