The long road to hope begins with suffering. Following the aftermath of original sin detailed in Genesis 3, a cursed was placed on this earth. God’s creation of His perfect world was ruined, leading to a life of disappointment, frustration and suffering.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 8:3.
Despite the pain often inflicted, individuals have something to look forward to the longer you walk down this road. While your ego and pride may take a beating, glimmers of hope surface along the way. Thus, when the sun breaks through the clouds, maturity is not that far away.
Perseverance, character; and character, hope, Romans 8:4.
If you hang in there long enough, a sense of hope comes into focus. Beyond whatever self pity remains, God’s love still shines, radiating day after day. When you don’t have the strength to take another step, a spirit is sent by your side to lead you to the end of this road.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us, Romans 5:5.
The best way to describe God is like the scene in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy and her friends have been poisoned by a wicked witch, causing each to drift off to sleep, suddenly halting their journey. Yet, snow is sent to awaken everyone so that they reach their final destination. The Holy Spirit plays a similar role, the invisible force to help us persevere on the long road to hope.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 