When life gets tough put your faith in God and he will help you

FROM Suffering to Hope — The Certainty of God’s Love. — Romans 5:1–5

If you’ve ever wandered through Marsh Meadows after a heavy rain or stood atop the Warburg Nature Reserve in Henley as the clouds break, you know that profound sense of peace that envelops the landscape.

The air feels fresh, the world appears renewed, and for a moment, all is serene. Yet, for many, peace can feel elusive.

The news is often disheartening — concerns about the NHS, the rising cost of living and the relentless pace of daily life can leave us feeling unsettled.

Nevertheless, the peace described by Paul in Romans 5 is far more profound than a fleeting moment of calm.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

To be justified is to be declared righteous in God’s sight — not by our efforts — but because Christ has paid the price for us. Imagine receiving a letter from your bank stating that your outstanding loan has been cleared, not by your resources, but by an anonymous benefactor.

That sense of relief and freedom offers a glimpse of the peace that God grants — a peace that is not dependent on our mood or circumstances, but instead rooted in God’s unchanging grace.

Paul continues: “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”

In ancient times, only a select few could approach a king. Yet, through Jesus, every believer is welcomed into God’s presence. It’s as if you’ve received a handwritten invitation to meet His Majesty, King Charles III — not as a stranger — but as a special guest.

God’s grace is not a transitory feeling, it is a solid foundation beneath our feet. This hope, Paul explains, is not mere wishful thinking. He adds: “We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings.”

While suffering is not something we seek, Paul reminds us that God can transform our most challenging moments into opportunities for growth and transformation.

Like a woodturner crafting a rough block of wood into something beautiful, God uses our trials to forge perseverance, character and ultimately hope. A hope that remains steadfast, even in the face of adversity. And this hope will not disappoint us. Why? “Because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

God’s love is not limited, it is abundantly poured out, saturating every part of our lives. Even when doubts creep in, the Spirit reassures us: “You are loved. You belong to God.”

As we navigate the uncertainties of life, may we stand firm in God’s grace, rejoice in hope, and remember that even in suffering, God is at work. Our hope is secure, anchored in the unchanging love of God poured out for us in Christ.

Mark Taylor,
minister of Stoke Row Chapel