If there was ever anyone in scripture that suffered through some tough times it was definitely Paul.
Constant scourging, ridicule, persecution and Roman prisons were the norm for Paul, yet when you read his letters you see that he had great joy and hope constantly through it all.
So how did he find this? I think that for most us, when we think about HOPE we think it comes quickly, or is right around the corner and we just need to do one thing and then BAM we have hope! However, in Romans 5:3-5 we see that HOPE is not and instantaneous response to us when we need it, in fact Paul lays out what it takes to see HOPE realized: "tribulation brings perseverance, perseverance brings proven character, proven character brings HOPE."
You see, God is in the business of making you the person He wants you to be, and often times that process is not easy. In fact in can be quite horrible in the moment but He promises that through it all He will give you a HOPE that will not disappoint(vs5)!
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