Embrace the pain

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5 NLT) The circle of suffering, endurance, character, and hope are all bound together in God's love for us. Each aspect is being used to form us into the image of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. It is true, that all things work together for our good, our betterment, as God's love, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit continue to refine within us the very character of God, the fruit of the Spirit in which there is no disappointment. Oh, that we would embrace this hope and allow the sweetness of his presence to overshadow us through the Holy Spirit. Freedom from shame, strength of spirit, greater endurance, and character will be ours! Praise God! What a great promise and process this is. Help me Father God not to resist the very work that you are doing to strengthen me for the greater good that lies ahead. Help me Lord with open arms to eagerly embrace your sovereign work on my behalf to come more into the image of your dear Son. Help me to see past the pain of the moment to the eternal working that is taking place and to worship you with even greater joy! --George Stahnke 01.25.2023