Romans 5:3-5

Not only so, but 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.

There are those who surrender it all and lose all courage and faith instantaneously whenever troubles come their way. Those who cannot endure trials, those who crush under sorrows. There have been lives broken down by affliction which have never risen again out of the dust. There have been men with bright hopes who have suffered one defeat or loss, and have never risen again beyond the horizons.

Yet Paul takes the very worst things about life - the periods of heartache, disappointment, the sufferings, and says it makes us rejoice. Well, this is by no means a special standard reserved solely for just the few wonderful saints who, by the virtue of great faith, are able to live on this high level. It simply is a normal expectation of every Christ follower.

I have learnt that God not only expects this faith, but He also provides it. Last Sunday, in his sermon, Ps Ben mentioned that the reason why we are unfaithful, is because we don't trust God. Regardless of any trials, we should never faint because God chastens us, not to crush us, but for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

It is way easier to rush through our days in the columns of stirring life. But it requires a grander heroism to stand and wait and not lose heart and not lose hope, submitting to the will of God, to give up work and honours to others, to be quiet, confident, and rejoice, while the merry and busy multitude goes on and away.

There is an English proverb that goes, "Everything comes in time to him that can wait." Victory comes, and the rest comes. God comes, and the glory comes. Only to him that can wait.

It is the grandest life "having done all, to stand."

My corner of sweet little notes of love

* name plague from Eilton
* little piggy from Joanne and Wanqi
* one postcard from Joyce
* one postcard from Livi
* one postcard from Ps LO and Pat
* little pink note from Pris
* green heart-shaped note from Wynnie

The last three are this week's addition :D