Today's Verse: Romans 5:3-4

Thursday, September 23, 1954

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
— Romans 5:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I remember the old Corrie ten Boom phrase, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the Jewish concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister and visit with those who were being persecuted. There she could show and share Jesus. Even in the worst of suffering, God can bring blessings through those who know that life's goal is character, not comfort.

My Prayer...

Mighty God, I confess that I get impatient and frustrated with difficulty, pain, and suffering. Please give me more compassion and a better listening ear so that I may bless those who need your love and grace. Give me the strength to find joy in the difficulties of breaking through the barriers Satan places in the way to keep others from Jesus. In the Savior's name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

21 Related Resources by Heartlight

Romans 5:3-4
Devo: Today's Verse
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Developing strength...
Illustration of Romans 5:3-4
Hope Is
Article by Melissa Troyer
Hope is the life in our veins, the breath in our lungs and the courage for tomorrow. Melissa Troyer looks at our cold world as we ensure the cold of later winter and trust life will come back in the Spring and reminds us to trust life is coming.
Praise and Perspective
Article by Kimberli J. Brackett
Where do you get the perspective to praise God during tough times? Kimberli Brackett reminds us that even in the worst of circumstances, God is at work trying to make something out of our situation and we can see if we will praise God and ask for his perspective.
See All 21 Related Resources about Romans 5:3-4

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 5:3-4 — We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 23, 1954

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Living in Freedom' (Ga. 5:1-6)
"Dear Father, guarantor of freedom, Christ died to set all people free - if they will accept it! As for me, Father, I accept it and intend to live by...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Longfellow:
"Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'May Your Glory Shine!' (Ps. 57:5)
"Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Restore that Person Gently' (Ga. 6:1)
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse