Today's Verse: Romans 5:3-4

Monday, September 23, 2002

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
— Romans 5:3-4
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I remember the Corrie ten Boom phrase, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister to and visit those being persecuted. The deplorable conditions and her sufferings allowed her to show and share the love of Jesus authentically. In the earliest days of the church, the apostles rejoiced "because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" of Jesus! Their willingness to suffer for Christ opened some people's hearts to believe because they could see that their hope in Jesus wasn't just something they preached, but also something they lived! Even in the worst of suffering, God can bring blessings through those who know that life's goal is character, not comfort. And that character gives us hope for our future with Jesus!

My Prayer...

Mighty God, I confess that I get impatient and frustrated with difficulty, pain, and especially unjust suffering. Please give me more compassion and a better listening ear so that I may bless those who need your love and grace, regardless of the personal cost or personal suffering inflicted upon me. Please bless me with strength to find joy in the difficulties, suffering, and pain of breaking through the barriers the evil one tries to place in the way to keep others from knowing Jesus. In the Savior's name, I pray to rejoice even in sufferings. 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 Monday, September 23, 2002

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Assurance of Our Heavenly Home' (Jn. 14:2-3)
"[Jesus continued,] "There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 144:15
"Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Holding Fast to Faith' (He. 10:19-25)
"Dear Father, Thank you for the confidence I can have to enter your sanctuary. May I draw near to you in faith, full of assurance, with my heart..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"If you want to see God's power at work, you must get out of the church and into the world. Watch the extravagant lengths which God will go to reveal Himself to...."

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