hope.

God is so {faithful}.  last night i stayed up later than i should, doing things that didn't really matter... like watching an episode of Friends and aimlessly perusing the internet.  by the time i decided to head to bed, my eyes didn't want to focus and my mind was a little bit fuzzy.  before i turned out the lights, i was convicted about not spending any time in the Bible.  i half-heartedly read just a little and not long after that i was out.

i did not take time to reflect on the verses i read last night early this morning, yet God brought new revelation to mind this afternoon while i was driving home from running errands.  the truth of romans 5:3-5 became crystal clear.

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

hope has seemed elusive to me.  as a christ-follower, i have always felt that it is something i should just have.   

the knowledge that i'm in the process of obtaining hope gives me {hope}.