“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  James 1:2-4

Scriptures To Bring Hope!

I wrote this poem referencing the above two Scriptures to send to two of my adult grandsons. One of them is excelling in life, and the other is facing consequences for poor choices. Both of them will receive the same message of hope. We all need hope to persevere in and endure testing, to achieve God’s goals for our lives, and to faithfully follow His path.

Romans 5:3 through 5
Are words t’will keep my hope alive.
Paul teaches me that suffering
Will produce a better thing.

Perseverance, then, is the result
Of all the unwanted tumult.
For it produces character
In every faithful follower.

And, character produces hope
That with the challenge I can cope.
For hope does not put me to shame,
Because God’s love is yet the same!

James 1:2 through 4
Gives me hope to strive for more.
James teaches me to count as joy
Temptations that my trust may cloy,

For the testing of my trust in God
Must persevere until I’ve trod
The path of obedience until it’s done,
My hope’s complete, whole, lacking none.

“Father, whether we excel and are very successful and tempted to trust in ourselves, or whether You must arrest our spirits and compel us to make restitution for our misdeeds, we need Your hope. We need a bigger trust in Your love for us. We need the power to persevere in obedience to Your Word. Please work Your hope, trust, and perseverance in us that we might glorify Your Son! Thank You, Father! Amen.”