Message Summary: "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."

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"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us" (Romans 5:2-5).


We have a longtime friend who has experienced much heartache in life. For over twenty years now she has had one hard blow after another. Each one has been a trial of great significance affecting her personal health, life-long family illness, and a double desertion from loved ones. But she maintains a positive faith-filled outlook in life. She has maintained a remarkable faith, a persevering spirit, and demonstrated a godly character in the midst of her suffering and losses.

In "The Last Lecture" the late Randy Pausch, who was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, shared his childhood dreams and the many ways in which his life has been fulfilling. I found a spiritual application in his observation: "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." 

Throughout life we accumulate a great deal of experience since we all share the common testimony of not always getting what we want or perhaps even what we feel God surely wanted! At times this means we undergo trials and, as our life progresses, we have a growing collection of them (experiences).


We've all been disappointed by experiences that just didn't work out as we had planned. Likely, each of us has had several profound disappointments in life and many lesser ones. But the “experience” we walk through and the lasting results we cope with and endure is invaluable and part of God’s plan to shape our spirit and produce Christ-like character.

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 progression of godly traits and is inter-related:

The last two characteristics (character and hope) result from the first two (suffering and perseverance). I want godly character and I want eternal hope but, according to this Scripture, they are the end result of suffering and perseverance.


I doubt that it is in the nature of any believer to sincerely rejoice because of suffering, but rather we rejoice because we are confident that our loving God is in control. "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The eventual outcome for our "experience" will be good, as we yield our will to the plan of the Father. Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." A maturing spiritual outlook enables us to realize that this time of suffering is part of God's plan in forming the character of Christ within us. 

In faith, cling to a phrase from 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 & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Heavenly Father, we live in Your grace that enables us to seek You more fervently as You produce in us a persevering spirit in the midst of adversity. Instead of driving us to hopeless despair, our suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces proven character whereas proven character brings about a mature hope that turns our disappointments into rejoicing, that will help us to see them as mercies in disguise. You have poured out Your love into our hearts and brought assurance to our spirit. The image of Christ is seen in our lives through the character traits You grow in us as we die to ourselves and live for You. Keep us faithful and hopeful during the painful process and teach us how to turn our mourning into dancing. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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"Blessings"  Video  Laura Story Throughout the message today this song was quoted. It has a powerful theological perspective. Laura has a heart gripping story regarding her husband's illness that resulted shortly after their marriage and the ongoing care he needs daily, probably for the rest of his life.


"Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Romans 5:5, 8:24-25)  Video  Scripture Memory Songs

"What Salvation's Done For Me"  Video   Booth Brothers

"He Understands My Tears"  Video  The Isaacs

"Grace Flows Down"  Video  Chris Tomlin

Note: On Monday I posted a photo seeking some advice concerning a water issue I had behind some siding that was revealed when I removed some deck boards. Thanks to several who responded with ideas. The consensus is to use some metal flashing.