When I began reading Romans 5, I wanted to stop at verse five and simply rejoice. Actually…I did! I paused and began praising God for all growth and the fact that I made it out of those good, bad, and ugly situations.

When you read verses 1-11, I pray that you will reflect on how you have overcome situations, and notice that it wasn’t due to your own strength, but God’s. 

Because of your faith in Jesus Christ you have:

    • Peace with God. You are no longer an enemy to Him.
    • Grace. Undeserved privilege.
    • You can…are able to…rejoice when we run into troubles and trials. Will you? 
    • Confidence. Again, not your own, but Christ’ alone.
    • Joy! To God be all the glory in the end. You may not be happy at times, but happiness is external, joy is internal. Your face can show happiness, but your heart will show joy. God sees.
  • …we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Romans 5:5 MSG Be overflowing with God’s generosity!

Friend, you’re not only my friend, but when you are right in God’s sight, by placing your faith in Jesus Christ, you are called a friend of God. Hallelujah! I just want to start singing “You’ve got a friend in me” from the movie Toy Story.

It is my prayer that you will learn to depend on Christ through any and all situations.

Blessings to you and yours,

Stephanie

(Featured photo: An African sunset. Praise Him from the rising of to the setting of the sun…and beyond!)

Three good reads: https://soakinguptheson.com/?s=Romans+5%3A2-5