Weekly Devotional - April 16th

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus

Christ,   through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.    And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;    and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Roman 5:5

Here is the cherry on top: a hope that does not disappoint. You see, hope in the man-centered sense is always temporary because when it fails, it fails big time. It just crumbles apart. One of the hardest things for people to deal with is unrealized expectations. Once we fully understand the gospel of grace, disappointment is impossible. Paul emphasizes that the hope that does not shame or disappoint is God’s love for us, not our love for Him. This is His promise of grace.