Read: Romans 5:1-10
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (v. 2)
Being a parent has many challenges. I have often had to reconcile my children to one another and help solve the problems that have come from misunderstandings among them.
Sin created the great divide between man and God (Isa. 59:2). Jesus healed this divide by reconciling us to God. We are justified through faith in Christ (Rom. 5:1) and now have peace with our God. It is a privilege for us to enter into God’s presence and to stand and boast in grace. In this reconciling and encouraging grace to move forward, Paul exhorts the believers in Rome not only to rejoice in partaking in the glory of God (v. 2), but also when experiencing challenges. It’s still true for us today—we can rejoice equally in God’s glory, and in suffering.
It is ironic to rejoice and boast in suffering. It’s human nature to rejoice in victory, achievement and blessing, and weep when facing difficulties. But oddly, through suffering we grow spiritually, we can see the huge grace covering us, and we learn more. No suffering goes in vain in God’s eyes; he allows it for the benefits we can get from it. Our firmness in faith brings about hope that does not let us down, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit in us (v. 5).
As you pray, ask God to hold you fast in your faith when facing hardships.
About the Author
Silvana Tafa
Silvana Tafa finished her studies on French language and Literature in Lausanne, Switzerland. After she returned to Albania, she served with a local church alongside her husband. Now she gives private French lessons and takes care of her three sons in Tirana, Albania. Silvana loves nature, traveling, discovering new things, reading and writing.
These devotionals were first published in Fjalet e Shpreses, Words of Hope’s Albanian devotional. Learn more about Words of Hope Albania, and our work in training and equipping local Christian leaders to write and share the Word of God.
