Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Perseverance: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult.
Character: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual.
Ministry is hard, I'm going to be honest. It can be downright difficult. Jim and I have been in ministry for almost 29 years of our 33 years of marriage. (Youth group, Missouri boys ranch and this Ranch) I am so thankful that God has given us a quality of perseverance, because without that quality we would not be where we are today with our character. We would also probably be working a regular job and not be in ministry.
We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope, because we have seen it tons of times. So today going through a difficult time, we are going to choose HOPE!
Hope: to cherish a desire with anticipation
Our desire is that these boys would learn from their choices and turn down a different path. We are going to cherish this with anticipation, that these choices are going to be life changing for these boys. Can we see it right now? No! But we are going to HOPE, and we are going to PERSEVERE through it all, even when it can be down right difficult!
Please pray for us to cherish this desire with anticipation and trust that GOD is a BIG GOD and HE will help us persevere through this time too!
What about you are you going through a hard time right now? If so, persevere let it develop in you a character you will be proud of, and hope with anticipation that GOD is going to show up at the exact time HE needs to. He is an all knowing God and He is in the middle of whatever you are going through.
Hoping with anticipation,