Hope

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

Ryrie Study Bible Notes: Suffering produces good results in the believer’s life, patience, endurance, maketh not ashamed. Does not disappoint or deceive.

Suffering? Do I want to suffer? Nah, no way!! Suffering is not my deal. Now, because I do not want to suffer doesn’t mean that I will not. There are so many forms of suffering.
Okay, here comes the Webster’s definition: To feel pain or distress. To sustain loss, injury or detriment.

Let me see… do I feel pain, distress? No, I do not really feel pain or distress. Oh, yes, I did sustain a loss. I lost my job or was laid off for “financial reasons”. As a matter of fact, my husband, Matt, lost his full time job too. He is working part time. All right, now I have established the fact that I am suffering. Ugh! I still do not like the word “suffer”. It really freaks me out.

Each day Matt and I get on the Internet and apply for jobs. Unfortunately we do not get unemployment insurance. So that’s where another loss comes into play. We have lost the income we used to have that pays our bills. We have learned perseverance that we need to find work. Therefore over and over again we repeat the same steps of sending out resumes, selling our expertise and accomplishments.

I will not give up because I am the daughter of the Most High God and I know He will take care of me… He promised. What builds my character is that I must reach inside for the Holy Spirit to continually guide me and I must repeatedly reach up for His hand to hold especially in my situation now. I cannot stand the thought of suffering. I do suffer when I cannot pay my bills. I must be humble to accept financial blessings from others. I would much rather be blessing others.

I do not know where God is taking Matt and I. What I do know is that I feel badly for people who cannot get through one day without being frightened about their future. I must rely totally on God to get me through these days. I have hope because He has promised to get me through this and it will be in His time. Of course, we always hear that His time is different than our time.

So Lord, I am waiting on You and Your time when it is right. I know that I am Yours and I am so grateful for that. I am thankful that you sent your Son to die for my sins so that I could be forgiven and choose to follow you, Lord Jesus, into eternity.