“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3–4, NIV
There is an old Cherokee story about two wolves fighting inside each of us. One wolf is anger, envy, pride, and lies. The other is love, truth, compassion, and faith. Which wolf wins. The one you feed. That picture helps us hear what Paul teaches in Romans 5. God can use the hard things we face to grow something strong and beautiful in us.
Suffering is where the process begins, not where it ends. When trouble comes, we want to avoid it or ask God to remove it at once. Paul invites us to meet God in it. If we will lean on Him, suffering becomes perseverance. Perseverance is not pretending the pain is small. It is choosing to trust God and take the next faithful step when nothing feels easy.
As we keep walking with Him, perseverance begins to shape who we are. That is character. Character is who you are when no one is watching. Job shows us honest faith in the middle of loss. Joseph shows us steady faith through betrayal and prison. Moses shows us humble faith in the long years of waiting. None of them were perfect, but God used their trials to make them ready for His purpose.
When character deepens, hope rises. Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is confidence that God is faithful and will finish what He started. Paul could say this because he knew the end of our story belongs to Jesus. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18, NIV. In God’s kingdom, character is currency. What He builds in you during a hard season will not be wasted.
So ask two simple questions today. Where am I hurting right now. What is one faithful step I can take with the Lord. You do not have to run the whole race by nightfall. Take the next step with Jesus, and then another tomorrow. Feed the right wolf. Choose prayer over panic, truth over resentment, obedience over ease. In time, suffering will produce perseverance, perseverance will shape character, and character will give birth to a steady hope that holds.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You see where I am tired and where I am afraid. I give You my suffering today. Grow perseverance in me as I keep walking with You. Form Your character in my words, thoughts, and choices. Fill me with a living hope that does not fade. Help me feed love, truth, compassion, and faith, and make me more like You. Amen.
One step today
Write down the hardest thing you are facing. Under it, write one small act of obedience you will take with God’s help. Do that one thing, and thank Him for the strength to do it.
