Reasons to Celebrate By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Today, we continue looking at the eternal guarantees that come with salvation in Jesus Christ. We have purpose in our suffering. The suffering we experience for living a righteous life here has a purpose so we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). Our sufferings are refining us to rule and reign with Christ. Righteous suffering has eternal purpose. We have His overwhelming love. In Romans 5:5-10, Paul explains that Gods love for us is not dependent on how loveable we are, but rather is in line with His perfect character and divine love. When we were utterly helpless and dead in our sins, God loved us. We were completely unworthy of His love, but God loved us. When we were powerless to escape from sin and death, God, in His sovereignty, loved us and reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ. It is a love that should overwhelm us for eternity. Finally, we have overwhelming joy as we rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation (Romans 5:11). Every time you are tempted to allow something to get you down, remember your eternal guarantees. You have been reconciled to God. You have peace with God. You have Gods favor. Your life is filled with His hope. Your suffering has purpose. You are passionately loved by the God of the universe. If that does not cause you to be overwhelmed by joy, check your pulse! Prayer: God, thank You that there is purpose in my suffering. Thank You for Your overwhelming love. Thank You for the joy that comes in knowing You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:45:55 +0000
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