Hope is Born in Suffering

Scripture:
Psalm 33:20-22
Romans 5:1-5

Have you had times when it seems you are just running into a brick wall?  Nothing you do seem to make a difference.  No matter what direction you go no matter what you do you cannot make any headway.  All appears lost and it looks hopeless.  At least that is how I feel more times than I care to count.  It is especially difficult in current times.  What is the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian? As a Christian we have hope.  Romans 5:3-5(NASB) “…because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”  Through our faith we gain hope.  James 5:10-11(NIV) “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”  Just as God was with those in the Bible God is with us.  He will see us through our suffering.  He will be with us till the end.  Our hope is in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.  He is with us through it all.    Psalm 91:10-11 (NIV):

no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;

As long as we are faithful to God He will be faithful to us.  He is our refuge our shield and strength.  He will guard over us and protect us just as a shepherd protects his flock.  We have hope in Christ.  Hope makes the difference.  It is hope that enables us to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel.