2022_07_20 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Romans 5-6
The letter we are currently reading contains a lot of deep theology, as well as very practical application, which is important to keep in mind. Some people love having deep doctrinal thoughts and conversations but spend very little effort working what they learn into their daily lives. When this happens, we fall into the category of people who are like the ones James talks about: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22 (NLT)
One of the very practical lessons in Romans this week is Romans 5:3–5 (NLT):
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Real trust in God means depending upon Him regardless of our circumstances. In fact, it is the difficult circumstances that provide the opportunities to both train us in trusting Him as well as showcase the growth we’ve accomplished. There are no shortcuts to growing our faith. We face challenges and choices every day that provide opportunities to show whether we are trusting God or someone/something else. Over time, how we respond to these choices develops our character – either good or bad. For example, if I am asked a question, my response carries consequences. Let’s say it’s a situation where if I tell the truth, I will pay a price, but if I lie, I will be ok—my choice matters. Over time I develop a pattern one way or the other, and that becomes my identity. If I choose to be a truth-teller, I may sometimes pay a price, but I will also earn God’s praise. If I continue to tell the truth, I will see His presence and power in my life, and I will strengthen my confidence and hope in His ability to provide for me.
I can take the easy way and miss this, or take the courageous faith-directed way and discover it. God is ready and able; It’s my choice whether I experience it or not.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor