Episode 11: Suffering produces hope.

Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Trials, rather than destroying our hope, are meant to increase our hope.  What is hope?  In the New Testament, hope does not mean wishful thinking.  It means confidence.  In this development period of your life, God says I'm going to use the problems in your life to give you the ability to handle pressure and that will make you reliable and a person of character, Christlike character.  And when you have this Christlike character you will be confident.  Trials will give you more confidence.  The first time you have the problem you don't know what to do.  The second time you had the problem you handle it a little bit better.  The third time...  You get confidence because you've been through the situation with Jesus by your side.  When you become a veteran in the crises of life it produces confidence, stability and you become bold from the experiences because you can say from experience, not just from head knowledge, but from real life personal testimony, that God will never leave you or forsake you.  

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