YOU ARE NOT ALONE! In life, we experience joy and sadness, success and failure. We all face trials and challenges—none of us are exempt. If you feel like you are walking through a dark valley, you have an opportunity. In fact, Romans 5 tells us to rejoice! Understanding that trials give us a reason to exercise our faith can embolden us to face even the most difficult circumstances with defiant joy. When everything seems to be falling apart, we get to declare that God is good and testify to His faithfulness. After all, how would we know we have faith unless it is tested?
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. –Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)
If you are asking, "but why should I rejoice?” And wondering if the difficult season you are facing will ever end. Remember—you have access to supernatural hope. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we no longer have to depend on circumstances or outcomes to give us joy. Our hope and our peace is a Person—and He never changes. Our God is a generous and loving Father who saves and redeems His children. And He invites us to share in His glory! Isn’t that amazing?
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. – Romans 5:2 (NLT)
Romans 5 begins with guidance on how to rejoice and find hope in all seasons:
DO NOT GIVE UP! God is working in your life right now. (Romans 5:1; Philippians 1:6)
Our God wastes NOTHING. He redeems every challenge, hurt, and hardship—for our good and His glory! When life’s challenges are overwhelming and you feel like you can’t take another step, turn to your Heavenly Father. (Romans 5:2, Romans 8:28)
SURRENDER. When we surrender to God, He replaces our weakness with His strength and our self-doubt with faith and perseverance. (Romans 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 12:9)
Embrace HOPE. The supernatural hope that we can only experience in Jesus, overcomes fear, doubt, and shame! (Romans 5:5, Romans 15:13, Isaiah 40:31)
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. –Romans 5:5 (NLT)
No matter what you are facing today, our prayer is that your faith is strong. We pray that you will lean into the arms of our Living Hope—JESUS! He is always good, faithful, and kind. Remembering His faithfulness to provide, protect, and guide you will build your confidence for the future. We never walk through this life alone. Our trust is in the One who never fails! Hold on to Him in this season!
If you want more encouragement, we would love to share our stories from the valley and how God brought us through! Watch these conversations with Laurie Crouch, Toni Collier, Kirsten Watson, Kalley Heiligenthal, and Brittany Price Brooker.
- Episode 1046 | Rejoicing in Life’s Trials
- Episode 1047 | God Meets You in Your Weakness
- Episode 1048 | How to Develop Integrity
- Episode 1049 | Experience Supernatural Hope
- Episode 1050 | How to Walk in Godly Confidence
