Romans 5:3-4

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. “

I have been encouraged a lot lately by Romans 5 :3 mainly because I was going through some difficult times. But I never truly understood how character leads to hope, so I Googled it.

I wanted to spend some time writing down my thoughts on the subject and what I read, so I can cement all the different thoughts going through my mind. I also wanted to relate it to me personally because that is how I understand things best.

One writer stated, that character is what you are when you think no-one is watching. First of all, I love that definition. Suffering can test who we really are at the core. I'm reminded of the metaphor of metal being refined by fire.

A couple months ago I lost my job. For many months prior to losing the job and the month after was a very difficult time for me. I was miserable and every part of my life was affected because of my unhappiness at work.

During this time I drew closer to God, not because I was some saint or anything, but out of sheer desperation. I felt like he was the only one I could turn to. Throughout the day I was always in constant communication with God and his word. Mary encouraged me a lot as well during this time and we often came together to God in prayer.

My main prayer throughout this ordeal was that it doesn't matter what happens if I get fired or if I get new job, it doesn't change who God is and who I am in relation to him. I also realized that there are many things in my life that are beyond my control and worrying about them wouldn’t help any.

I felt closer to him than I have in years. And despite the loss of job and uncertainty for our family, I had a great peace that God would always provide our daily bread. I also learned many other great character lesson which I will not bore my few readers here with.

So good character that stands under fire, locks in and cements our faith, which leads to a greater knowledge and understanding of our hope, basically our faith in God and an eternal life in heaven.

I felt that my faith was tested a little bit through this ordeal, I came out of it with even stronger faith, which locked in and further cemented my faith/beliefs, which is the hope/faith that I have in God and eternal life in heaven.

Sorry I had to repeat this a couple times because I am pretty slow.

On another note, this year I am thankful to God for my new job! It is amazing how he not only brought me through this ordeal stronger, but placed me in the most perfect job I couldn’t have even imagined.