Finding Joy in Suffering: How Affliction Builds Unshakable Hope
What do you do when God’s promises seem impossible? When your situation looks dead and hope feels out of reach? Romans 4 gives us a powerful example in Abraham—a man who, despite overwhelming circumstances, believed God was still able to do what He had promised.
The Apostle Paul draws our attention to Abraham’s faith not just as a historical example, but as a model for how we receive the righteousness of God. Abraham’s faith wasn’t based on law or ritual. It was grounded in a personal trust in God’s ability to fulfill His word—even when the odds were stacked against him.
The Apostle Paul draws our attention to Abraham’s faith not just as a historical example, but as a model for how we receive the righteousness of God. Abraham’s faith wasn’t based on law or ritual. It was grounded in a personal trust in God’s ability to fulfill His word—even when the odds were stacked against him.
Past Grace, Present Power
Paul begins with a powerful truth: “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, CSB). Justification is more than a one-time event; it’s the foundation of a whole new life. We no longer live under the penalty of sin, but in the peace and favor of God.
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He reminds us that this peace isn’t passive. It gives us strength to face today’s struggles. Through Christ, we “have also obtained access… into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (v. 2). That hope is a present reality—active, durable, and sustaining.
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He reminds us that this peace isn’t passive. It gives us strength to face today’s struggles. Through Christ, we “have also obtained access… into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (v. 2). That hope is a present reality—active, durable, and sustaining.
When Affliction Meets Faith
Paul makes a stunning statement in verse 3: “And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions.” This isn’t a call to deny pain or pretend everything’s fine. It’s a call to recognize what affliction can produce in a life grounded in grace: “affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope” (vv. 3–4).
Affliction becomes the training ground of faith. It stretches us to depend more deeply on God, refining our character and anchoring us in hope that will not disappoint. Why? Because “God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (v. 5).
Affliction becomes the training ground of faith. It stretches us to depend more deeply on God, refining our character and anchoring us in hope that will not disappoint. Why? Because “God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (v. 5).
Remember the Cross, Trust in the Present
When we doubt God’s goodness in our suffering, Paul points us back to the cross. “While we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly” (v. 6). If God loved us when we were sinners, how much more will He be present with us now that we’re reconciled to Him?
Justification means we’re no longer enemies of God, but friends living in harmony with Him. That reconciliation gives us reason to rejoice—even in suffering—because it proves that God hasn’t left us. He’s at work, right now, sanctifying us and shaping us into the image of Christ.
Justification means we’re no longer enemies of God, but friends living in harmony with Him. That reconciliation gives us reason to rejoice—even in suffering—because it proves that God hasn’t left us. He’s at work, right now, sanctifying us and shaping us into the image of Christ.
Living in Harmony with God
The Christian life is not just about getting into heaven—it’s about living in the joy and power of God’s righteousness every day. Our relationship with Him isn’t distant or static. It’s personal, active, and transforming.
So, how should we respond to suffering?
This hope won’t disappoint. Because God is not only with you—He is for you. And He is faithful to finish the good work He began.
So, how should we respond to suffering?
- Rejoice in your justification.
- Endure affliction with faith.
- Trust that God is using every trial to produce hope.
- Remember His love demonstrated at the cross.
- Access the grace that empowers you to stand.
This hope won’t disappoint. Because God is not only with you—He is for you. And He is faithful to finish the good work He began.
This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Brian Stone on Sunday, June 29, as part of the Romans: The Righteousness of God series. You can watch the full message here.
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