Faith Conquers All...

I have been studying the Book of Romans for a while now. Each time time I read from this awesome book, I learn something new and incredible! This book is full of gold nuggets… that is, if we take time to take in what God is trying to teach us! I have been going over chapter five of Romans for two weeks now.

I believe the Lord is telling me through His word to encourage you:

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith in this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

The peace mentioned in verse one is much more than the absence of conflict but rather, the unspeakable peace for those who have experienced that new relationship with Jesus Christ.

For those who have not this saving knowledge and a new relationship with Jesus – they remain awaiting the day of His impending wrath.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." Romans 1:18

Paul goes on to say:

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:7-8

Our relationship lost by our all being born into sin, is restored through faith in Christ, which banishes all enmity between we and He. The result is the unexplainable peace we now have - especially during times of hardship and tribulations.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we don't have to go to a mediator to have total access to our Heavenly Father. In verse two it makes it clear that we stand in His presence and He is available and immediate to hear us when we speak to Him.

I don't know about you sisters but these truths brings even more joy and peace to me. He is indeed, a harbor and place of shelter against the storms of life and coming judgment. What about you?

As we respond to tribulations by rejoicing in them we gain eternal rewards too! It is the proper response to our tribulations that really matter to our daily Christian walk. Tribulations don't always mean tragedies but it can mean additional stresses or pressures as we journey the Christian walk day to day.

In verse 3, we are reminded to glory our trials. Why? Because these tribulations produce perseverance - meaning we don't give up but rather, pressing on to something greater with God’s power to help us to do! Paul is encouraging us to endure the hardships and life's difficulties because it produces character too. Character learning to walk with grace under pressure and is another part of our Christian experience. Through all these things, we are being purified through and through.

I remember when my kids were younger, I would read a character building book to them that helped their realizing just how God builds character in their lives. Thinking back of some of the different characters gleaned from the bible, individuals such as David, Samson, Zacheeaus, Deborah and more, became real-life examples. These wonderful saints still are there for our examples too!

When we finally grasp some of these basic truths found in the scriptures; coupled with the testing and trials each of us face day to day, we emerge victorious! We possess "hope" which is based on the eternal love and power of God. This same Hope is our one day, making to our eternal heavenly home with our sweet Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I was so excited to grasp this as I have really been digging in these few verses. What an encouragement it is, to know that what we go through and how we handle each hardship is building in us character, perseverance, peace and hope!

He is working in us what we don't know we even need! The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to endure and persevere though… so as we are building our character we look forward to the day we see our Savior face to face too. We wait to hear these words from our Jesus Christ:

"Well done thy good and faithful servant."

Romans chapter five and in fact, all of God’s Word is really helping me to understand and to handle the day to day crisis we might face as wives, mothers, and daughters.

If we decide to question our Savior, it should not be.”Why?”, but rather, “ What?”

This nugget you might want to carry with you as you walk this journey in life!

Close and Personal;

• How do you handle the day to day crisis?
• Do you make a point to remember through out the day where and what is our hope?
• Have you been thankful for "character building" techniques that our Savior has used in your life?

Dear Lord,

Thank you Father for your many blessings and love you have for us your children! Thank you Father for choosing us. Lord, I want to take this time to specifically thank you for using the tribulations we face in this world to build into us perseverance and endurance in our Christian walk. As we have experienced this in our lives we have a peace that reminds us of our eternal hope Father. I am here to tell you Thank you and I love you!

Join Elaine daily at her personal site.