July 17| Romans 5:3-5

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DAILY READING

Romans 5:3-5

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REFLECTION

The Golden Chain

By Judy Webb

I decided to read through and study the assigned verses for today in different versions of the Bible. This turned out to be a wonderful experience. All the verses shared the same meaning but used different words and phrases. I will provide a link to all the versions for you to check out for yourself and see if you aren’t as enlightened as I. Romans 5:3-5 – NIV, ESV, MSG, and the VOICE versions.

Who of us hasn’t experienced trouble and huge problems? How many of us have been taken by surprise by a loved one’s sudden death, or a severed relationship? Some have also experienced betrayal by a trusted friend or family member. These difficult seasons happen to the best of us; whether young or old these things can devastate our well-being and cause doubt and even anger.

I think my favorite version for explaining these verses in Romans is found in the Message. As a writer I love the poetic presentation here: “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know troubles can develop passionate patience in us and how that passionate patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this we are never left feeling short changed. Quite the contrary—we cannot round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit.” 

Passionate Patience - Perseverance

Tempered Steel of Virtue - Character

Alert Expectancy – Hope

One commentary refers to these three traits as The Golden Chain.

Looking back at those times when we felt we were drowning in suffering and hard times, can you recognize how you maybe experienced growth? Did your faith become stronger, and did you somehow come out on the other side of these struggles as a more mature individual? Under pressure was your faith life forced into the open? Was your character strengthened bringing out a virtuous side? And is hope now more than a dream but an alert expectancy?

As Luke 21:19 puts it, “stay with it until the end. You won’t be sorry, you’ll be saved!”

PRAYER

Dear God,

These words, perseverance, character and hope are power words. Help us to believe that perseverance is a trait we all need at times. Character is an attribute derived by practicing goodness and kindness. Hope is to expect with confidence. Show us how to embrace these beautiful traits.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.