We boast in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
Often times, our greatest seasons of growth come out of our greatest seasons of pain. Like other Californians, members of Perch.Church are enduring yet another major shutdown. Even though there are two vaccines being prepared for distribution, it feels like this pandemic is never going to end. How does one hold onto hope during such disparaging times? Personally, I’ve found that the best way to look forward with hope is to look back with gratitude. When I look at the grand scope of my life, I’ve actually gone through more difficult situations than this and I came out stronger. What about you? How has God brought you out of valleys of pain and carried you into mountains of grace? As we observed this past Sunday, hope is worth holding onto during seasons of pain because hope is a prerequisite to peace, hope sustains us through suffering, and hope in God does not disappoint.
