3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Romans 5:3-4 ESV
Not being a particularly romantic guy, I cannot recall the time and place when Kristi and I first exchanged "I love yous". But I do know that whatever feelings of love I had for her then have deepened and matured over these past 17 years. We have cried, laughed, and worshipped together, spent many hours around campfires, discussed, agreed and disagreed, traveled, and watched movies. Our years have been shared with the living of life. It is through these experiences that my love for, my trust in, and my joy with Kristi has increased.
The same holds true for our relationship with God. When we first accept God as our Lord and Savior, there is a level of love, hope, and trust. But it is only through sharing life with our Heavenly Father will those feelings deepen. Our trust strengthens when He proves himself faithful time and time again. Love deepens when year after year God provides for and shelters us. Our hope in Him is multiplied when we are able to see his hand of guidance and protection in the struggles of the life.
Paul reminds us that it is through suffering that our hope in God is realized. God can only prove himself faithful when we are faced with situations that require His intervention, His strength, His peace. The deeper the suffering the greater the hope.
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