“Rejoice in Our Sufferings”
Romans 5:3-5
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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.
Reflection Questions and Spiritual Practices to accompany
Christianity Today’s The Road to Joy Devotional
Reflection Questions:
When I experience suffering or the hard things of life, what is my typical response?
What character is God forming in me through my suffering?
How has God invited me to hope in His presence in light of suffering?
Spiritual Practice: Phone a Friend
There is something significant about sharing the hard things of life with a trusted friend or companion. This is part of who we are as people for God created us as relational beings (Gen 2:18) and also called us to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2). This week, whatever you may be going through, prayerfully consider setting up a time to share with a trusted person (friend, therapist, family member). May God meet you as you share the hard things of life in these times of connection. And if life is going well, you can still phone a friend and create an opportunity for a meaningful time of connection.