Today's Verse: Romans 5:3-4

Friday, September 23, 1966

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 Friday, September 23, 1966

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Cancer in the Bones' (Pr. 14:29-30)
"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'You Alone are Just' (Ps. 71:16)
"I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Immersion of Joy' (Acts 8:36-39)
"As [Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch] rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?"....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Father's Will: Eternal Life!' (Jn. 6:40)
"[Jesus said,] "For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.""

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