Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1-5
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to give thanks for all the blessings in life.  I'd encourage you to look back over the previous year and think about where you were a year ago -- what prayers have been answered?  How have you grown?  What do you know about God and the depths of God's love that you didn't know a year ago?
  Life isn't all upwards growth, though.  Prayers aren't always answered, certainly not in the ways we imagine or desire.  As it has for you, this past year has been hard in many ways, and I'll admit to wondering how God is at work at times. 
  In this passage in Romans, Paul tells the Romans that he rejoices in suffering, because he takes a long-term view of suffering -- he knows that his suffering will ultimately transform into hope, which will help him understand the depths of God's love.  It isn't easy to look at suffering like this, but our suffering, be it physical, mental, emotional or relational, reminds us of our broken humanity.  Paul is telling us that this reminder can stir that longing for redemption within us, redemption that is granted by Christ's death on the cross.  Our suffering reminds us that all is not right with the world, but there is one who is setting things right, and in God we have hope. 
  So may we give thanks that our hope is certain in Christ.  I don't know that I'll ever rejoice in suffering, but I'd like to believe that suffering will remind me of the certain hope I have thanks to God.