Love is powerful. The verses for today show us how the love of God brings peace and hope to our sufferings. This is a precious encouragement to those of us living with chronic illness, disability, and isolation.

Romans 5:1-5, “5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; ⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

These verses are so rich and full. Look at some of the things we have when justified by faith: peace, access by faith into grace, and rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God.

But, look at how it goes forward. We can glory in tribulations as they work patience, then experience, then hope. This hope means that we are not ashamed no matter what.

Why? We are not ashamed because of the love of God being shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, a gift from God.

We can stand and find peace and hope even in tribulation. Oh, that we all would realize that peace and hope today!