Romans 5:1-11 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Life is full of uncertainties. But there is one thing that we can be certain of and that is that each of us will face adversity in our lives.
It has been said that there are three groups of people:
- those who are in a storm;
- those who just came out of a storm; and
- those who are heading into a storm.
Just as boats have anchors to keep them steady to endure a storm, we, too, have anchors which allow us to endure the storms of life.
Realizing Our Present Position
In Romans chapter 1-4, we see the reality of human sin and depravity. We also see the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
What is our present position?
Justified, regardless of the storm you are in. If you have received Jesus, you are justified and that is the greatest position you can be in!
- Acceptance by God
- Access to God
Before our justification, we couldn’t come into God’s presence. Now we can come boldly as His sons and daughters.
Reflecting On Our Future Hope
There will be times in our lives that the anchor of reflecting on our future hope is the only thing that will get us by. Usually, we use the word “hope” to convey something uncertain. However, Biblical hope conveys certainty! It’s a guarantee! The word “hope” here is the equivalent of the word “confidence.”
Recognizing God’s Purpose
Verse 3 says that we glory in tribulations also. How can we glory in tribulation? How can we rejoice during times of adversity?
We are only able to do so when we recognize God’s purpose and accept His will. God has a purpose and plan for everything. We don’t like to admit it, but sometimes His plan includes suffering. Actually, God’s greatest plan included extreme suffering, but there was a purpose for the pain. It was through Jesus’ suffering that salvation came. Whenever we find ourselves in the midst of suffering, we must cling to the anchor of recognizing God’s purpose.
Recalling God’s Amazing Love
We must remember that God loves us even when we are suffering. Unfortunately, when we’re suffering, we often think God doesn’t love us anymore. The truth is, that nothing we experience will ever separate us from His love not even suffering!
Rejoicing in God’s Person
Sometimes, the only way to endure the adversity we face is to simply praise God for who He is by rejoicing in Him.
During our darkest times we can find joy in who God is! When you find yourself suffering in the storms of this life, remember that God gave us anchors during adversity, and cling to them to endure the storm.