Today’s ONE THING: How to Have Hope

• Romans 5:3 (NKJV) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

A few days ago, I had an interview with a young pastor who was going through a tough time.  He was weary, frustrated and worried.  As I listened to his account of the difficulties he was going through I thought to myself, “If he only knew.  Those were the days when I only had responsibilities and problems like that.”

However, that’s the point: he didn’t know.  That was why he had to go through the tribulations that he was going through, in order to develop the character  that would allow him even greater responsibilities (and, yes greater problems) and opportunities for success and for making a difference for the cause of Christ.

As I listened to that pastor that day, I had hope for him.  I had been through my version of his story, had persevered, and developed the character required to overcome those challenges.  Furthermore, I was able to tell him with confidence that he could make it and even offer a few words of advice on how to do it.  He believed me and left my office feeling better.  Why did he believe me?  Because I had the scars to back up what I said.

It is one thing to know in your heart that you have what it takes; it is another thing to have the scars that proof you did it.

Having the potential character to make it is one thing; having the revealed and proven character that shows you have made it is another thing.  That is character which gives hope.

That is why we glory in tribulations, because we know it is building the spiritual and emotional muscle that is going to get us through the next challenge.

Buck up dear friend, the tough patch you are going through right now is only setting you up for a solid and abiding hope and an opportunity for real and lasting success.