Creating Endurance

February 25, 2016

Opening Hymns:
462 Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh462.sht

Scripture Reading:

Romans 5:1-11
5:1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

5:3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

5:5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

5:7 Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.

5:8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

5:9 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.

5:10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.

5:11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Message:
Have you ever heard anyone boast in their sufferings? When I hear people going through hard times and challenges often it is a complaint. Exhausting work, home struggles, or relationship troubles are some of the things people may complain about. I think it can be healthy. It is good to verbalize the stress that you are going through. However this scripture shows us another way to think about hard times.

My very favorite passage in today’s lesson is “…And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” It reminds me of the people that I’ve met who look at the difficulties in their life differently. They see their challenges making them stronger.

When I meet these people I am astounded at their positivity through the challenges they face. It makes me look at my own struggles a little bit differently. When I think about all the difficulties I faced in school, I realize that those challenges have made me more prepared to face the future. Every challenge I’ve faced has either helped me grow and learn from it, or made me stronger. Even sorrow and loss has helped me become more understanding and compassionate for others who face similar losses.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the wonderful times in our lives, and for the challenges too. Help us continue to learn and grow from all the lessons that You give us. Lead us through the difficult times in life. Let each new challenge strengthen us. Let us always hope, always learn, and always seek to follow You. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
500 Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh500.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God