Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
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When I think about the military leaders and heroes of infamy-men like George Washington, General Patton, William Wallace in Ireland, etc., they all inspired the men underneath them to face UNCERTAIN ODDS WITH UNCOMMON VALOR. How did they do this? It was because their lives were defined by righteous sacrifice. They had sacrificed so much and persevered so long, that they had a character men could hope in. Sometimes it is not so much the speech given at battle time, as it is the man behind the speech that makes the most impact. There is a term we use for this … Battle-Hardened Character. These men had been tested through trial after trial and persevered. They not only persevered, but they looked for ways to get better in the process , ways to build a richer and deeper character in life. This is what Paul is encouraging the Romans to emulate here. Because the end result of suffering, which produces perseverance, which produces character … is Hope! This hope is not just “a dream” or “a wish”-type of hope. It is a hope in something incredibly solid and weighty, something powerful and mighty to save. Just like military men have hope in their leaders, and nations have hope in their militaries to protect and save them, so followers of Jesus have hope in Jesus Christ to lead them to victory through the most challenging battles imaginable.

I love this passage in Hebrews 12:1-3 (emphasis mine): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

‭‭As Christians (or Christ followers) we have the ultimate powerhouse of a leader, who has been through trial after challenging trial and persevered through them all without sin — Jesus Christ. He is a servant leader who sacrificed everything for us. And so, as we get to know him, we get to know the metal he is made of. And this builds in us a confidence dependent on him, to walk through the fiery trials of life with him and persevere because our hope (the anchor for our soul) is found and secure in the Rock of Ages, an immovable boulder known as Jesus Christ!

Thank you, Lord, for your leadership and perseverance and battle-hardened character I can rely on. With you on my side, the impossible trials and battles of life suddenly become adventures and opportunities to see you work. Thank you for this hope you have given me. Teach me how to pass it on to others more and more each day.