Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 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.
Suffering itself is devoid of warmth; it is even like a sharp rock, easily wounding our faith and stirring up resentment and doubt within. However, the Christian's hope lies not in favorable circumstances, but in the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, like the alchemical fire, can transform bitter affliction into pure patience and maturity. When we think the storm will break our masts, if we submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this destructive force can miraculously transform into a driving force, propelling us towards the safe haven of Christ. Suffering does not change God's love; it merely tears apart false reliance, allowing us to be refreshed anew by God's overflowing love in our naked openness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for strengthening our hearts again through your Word during this time of New Year's reunion. Lord, we confess that we are often weak in the storms, easily distracted by the waves and forgetting your presence. We ask the Holy Spirit to work in every difficulty we face, removing the resentment and unease from our hearts. We ask you to change our course, so that the pressures that seem to destroy us become the strong winds urging us to take root deeply in your Word. May your love water us like sweet rain, so that we may still have heavenly joy in our suffering, certain that every storm is under your control, leading us steadily toward that eternal and glorious promised land. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.