I love this! Read it for yourself:
“We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary – we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” Romans 5:3- (The Message)
Short version:
Glory in your sufferings. Sufferings produce perseverance; perseverance (patience) produces character, and charter produces hope.
“Hemmed in with troubles”: That sounds as if you’ve poured all your troubles in a pot and put a lid on it. Who really wants all their troubles in one pot? Probably no one, but just like the steam will rise and evaporate or shake the lid and bubble over, the troubles will eventually come to the surface. When it does, pressure is released and it is a good thing when released in the right way.
“Passionate patience”: (enthusiastic serenity) It almost sounds like an oxymoron, but I love the sound of that. Once you’ve been through your troubles, you realize how strong you are. This strength gives you a sense of…Ahhh, breathe….serenity. You made it! Now be glad, exited…enthusiastic, about your new found power. Your new found character.
“Alert expectancy”: (a watchful hope) God is always at work in and around you. Be on the lookout, and get ready for your faith to grow more.
“we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit”: Does that rock or what! Imagine going around and collecting as many jars, cups, bowls, pots, barrels, etc. to hold something. You couldn’t find enough to hold all the wonderful blessings that God gives you. He is such The Giver. He’s awesome!
I know personally that these verses have kept me in focus and motivated during difficult or trying ties. I know that there is hope and glory at the end of all the troubles.
May you feel, see, and know the blessings that God has given you.
