What is the Purpose of the Thorns? Hope

Romans 5:3-5; John 16:33

In Romans 5:3-5 we learn that suffering brings endurance which leads to character which finally leads to hope. This is not a hope as the world sees hope. The dictionary defines hope as: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. The difference between the world’s definition of hope and the Bible’s definition of hope is that we are not just desiring something, we are assured of that something. Endurance and character give us the steadfastness to continue to hope. This takes away the highs and lows that we often experience through trials. It keeps our eyes steadfastly fixed on the hope of Jesus Christ. In John 16:33 Jesus says that we will have trouble but to take heart he has overcome the world. What we hope for is secure and guaranteed. Christ has won, he has overcome the world, when all is said and done, he will reign supreme.

Questions for further thought:
1. What comfort, if any, do you get from knowing that Christ has already won?
2. How can this knowledge change how you live your life and how you view life’s struggles?

​Challenge: This week, as you watch the news or work through a current difficult situation in life, remind yourself that Jesus Christ has overcome the world.