"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us" (Romans 5:3-5a).

Yesterday we received word that a friend had been called home following a long battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband and two young daughters so the loss is particularly grievous.  Though we knew she was very critical, when we received the news Brooksyne and I were somewhat numb when the reality of her death struck us.  We'd been praying for Jody and her family for about three years since the poisonous cancer began spreading through her body.

Jody began her battle about the same time I was afflicted with a severe intestinal disorder. As my condition was being diagnosed, cancer was a real possibility, so I suppose I have special spiritual kinship with her. Of course our short-term situation differs greatly. I have recovered following several surgeries and still have an undetermined period of life remaining on this side. She took an early flight to heaven, however much we would have hoped otherwise.

We've all had shattered dreams haven't we? We've been disappointed by a hope that just didn't work out as we had planned. Most likely each one of us has had several profound disappointments in life and many lesser ones.

A phrase from a song written in the seventies speaks to my heart this morning, "When grief has left you low, it causes tears to flow, when things have not turned out the way that you had planned. But God won't forget you, His promises are true. Tears are a language God understands."
 
I don't always understand the Biblical truth expressed in the daily verse. Specifically I have trouble rejoicing in suffering. What about you? But the equation is a continuum and interrelated: "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." The last two characteristics result from the first two. I want godly character and I want eternal hope but they are the end result of suffering and perseverance.
 
The sense is surely not that we rejoice because of suffering but rather we rejoice in it. A maturing spiritual outlook realizes that this is a part of God's plan in forming the character of Christ within us.

In faith, cling to the last portion of our encouragement Scripture.   Read it slowly and appropriate it to your need today; "Hope does not disappoint us." The ultimate hope we have in Christ will not disappoint! One thousand years into eternity no one is going to regret having placed their hope in Christ. May God give each of us the awareness today that our times of suffering do indeed work for our good, providing us with deep assurance that "hope does not disappoint."
 
 
Be encouraged today,
 
 
Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne:  Though our desire in life is to live happy lives free from trouble, God's purpose in redeeming us is to make us more like Jesus.  Jody's extremely difficult battle with cancer brought about tremendous spiritual growth and an intensified commitment to seeking God when medical doctors and health providers could not provide the needed solutions.  I remember Jody, early on dealing with the "why me?" when the cancer just wouldn't go away.  Surgery after surgery did not stop the insidious cancer, but in the midst of this raging battle the Word of God began to feed Jody's soul.  I witnessed such a maturing and unswerving faith as she shared with me the truths God was speaking to her heart.  She was quoting one Scripture after another and I was deeply touched by the growth I'd seen over the years.  Yes, in the midst of her suffering, her unswerving perseverance brought about godly character which produced eternal hope.  And I am absolutely convinced that in heaven today she is saying to all of us who remain, "I'm in the presence of Jesus, and I assure you that my eternal hope in Jesus did not disappoint!"

"Lord Jesus, Father of all compassion, may all who read our Encouragement today, know the sweetness, the serenity, and the strength that comes from knowing You personally and trusting in God who gives to us a "hope that does not disappoint.  Amen.

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