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How to Find Hope in Hardship

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ROMANS 5:1-5 CSB

Faith allows us to hold hope and hardships together

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.  ROMANS 5:3 CSB

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. JOHN 16:33 ESV

How is this possible?

God invites me to have peace with him

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ROMANS 5:1-2 CSB

Shalom: Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of calm

God’s grace is not just a gift but a place

We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand ROMANS 5:2a CSB

God has a purpose for my pain

Because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.  ROMANS 5:3 CSB

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. JAMES 1:4 CSB

In order to become who I want, I must go through what I don’t want.

Why do I need this hope?

Our hope will disappoint us if its not rooted in God’s love

This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ROMANS 5:5 CSB

Hope is confident certainty in God’s love.

“Here is the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, taking refuge in his destructive behavior.” But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever. PSALM 52:7-8 CSB

God’s promise of our future gives us power for our present.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 PETER 1:3-5 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

FInd a time and place where you feel peaceful and free from distractions. Allow yourself to become calm in your thoughts and feelings. Begin a conversation with God. Ask him, “Help me remember when I have felt a lack of peace in the last few months. What has caused me to feel disappointed, hurt, or neglected during this time? What are the reasons I have felt these painful feelings?” Ask God to help you discern between the issues in which you have some control in resolving, and the ones you don’t. For the ones you think you have some control over, ask him for his wisdom as you partner with him to take appropriate action. For the other challenges that are beyond your control, commit each of them to God. Thank him for how he will be strengthening your endurance and hope through these experiences. Pray that God would reveal specific ways he is using these hardships for your good and thank him. As you experience unwelcome feelings this week, continue to pray for God’s peace and wisdom. Remind yourself that peace comes from God, not good circumstances.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Romans 5:1-2. In what practical ways have you seen your faith in God help you find hope when you’ve encountered hardship?
  3. Continue reading Romans 5:3. As you look back at your life and the hardships God has helped you endure, where have you seen aspects of your character improve and your faith deepen as a result?
  4. Read James 1:4. God has a purpose for our pain. Where has God allowed you to see a direct connection between a hardship you endured and a greater purpose? Where has God not revealed it yet? How do you feel about never knowing what purposes God had in your hardship? 
  5. Continue reading Romans 5:4. In what specific ways have you seen your strength increase as a result of overcoming hardship? In what ways does that increase your hope as you deal with current or future difficulties?
  6. Continue reading Romans 5:5. In what practical ways have you connected with the Holy Spirit through hardship? How may your experiences help and encourage those in your group?