It begins as far back as we can remember. Right before we run off to school, we smear on our mama’s lip gloss and clamp down as many hair clips as our endless bangs will allow. We hope for another attempt to fit in with the others, to measure up, to belong.
Growing up, I often found myself balancing enjoying the moment and anticipating the next one. As a young child, my hopes centered around a 25-cent soft-serve ice cream cone after church on Sunday nights. My hopes matured as I did—working to make the swim team, racing to the finish line at a track meet, and striving to win an award. I hoped for slumber party invitations, a certain new sweater for Christmas, and, of course, beating my brother at checkers.
Those early years of putting my best foot forward, I hoped the appearance of having it all together would win me friends. But years down the line, the stakes of life loomed larger, and deep heartache entered in—never mind the lip gloss or hair clips.
In truly tragic moments, our hope is put to the test. And if it’s misplaced, it will be found wanting.
The hope we read about in Romans offers us a greater understanding of the hope God offers. It takes us from tangible evidence we can see, and pushes us deeper into a faith that asks for what we cannot see. In fact, all of creation is wired for this. If something breaks, we are hardwired to figure out a solution. Most problems can’t be solved in a day, so we work and test and try until we receive the desired outcome. But there will always be a hope offered by God that requires all of Him, and no amount of our working and testing will bring it to pass. This is the hope of Christ, our Rescuer and Redeemer.
Because of Christ, we are free to hope in even the most difficult or uncertain circumstances. The first chapter of Philippians reminds us “he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (v.6). Trials are accompanied by hope. Hope is a gift. Hope is critical, and the gospel gives us an unending supply.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
—Romans 8:37
Any suffering we endure here and now is incomparable to God’s coming glory (2Corinthians 4:16–18). This is the beautiful gift of hope.
One day our groans will give way to glory (Romans 8:23). While we wait, we place our hope in Jesus.
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41 thoughts on "The Believer’s Triumph"
This is spot on for me this morning. (I’m behind a few days on my study)
Our world changed a few weeks ago when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer that metastasized to his liver. It’s been incredibly difficult seeing him suffer. But I’ve also never felt closer to the Lord.
I posted an update last night late last night iFIT all of our family and friends who are praying and supporting us with and included Romans 8:38-39.
If Romans 8:36 and Psalm 44:22 made you wonder here is some helpful commentary that I found from The Gospel Coalition by David Starling: The implications of this reading are of great theological and pastoral importance. Lament, for Paul—even protesting lament—retains its validity as an authentic expression of Christian faith. It is not faith’s last word on suffering, but it is still a valid word to be spoken by God’s people in response to sufferings that are unexplained and (at least from a human standpoint) inexplicable. Christians are to voice that which creation is unable to articulate—and when that fails, know that the Spirit is able to articulate for us that which we can say neither for ourselves nor for a groaning creation.
The message of the gospel does not explain the inexplicable, or restrict its comfort only to those sufferings that are uniquely Christian sufferings, experienced as the direct outworking of the faithfulness of believers. Nor does it work by a kind of hermeneutical alchemy to convert Old Testament lament into Stoic indifference or New Testament assurance. Its effect is not to silence the voice of lament or to convert it into some better, more Christian utterance; it is, rather, to offer assurance that the voice of the lamenter, and of the whole groaning creation, has been heard (and, indeed, that in the groanings of the Spirit the burden of the lament has been shared by God himself) and that it will ultimately find its answer through what God has already accomplished in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
what’s encouraging me this difficult morning is the assurance that Jesus is near to me, and nothing can separate me from His embrace. He had already won, the devil already lost, and though afflictions nag at the hope of my soul, nothing can truly silence the whispers and echoes of His love that are beautiful and remind me this pain is nothing compared to the symphonies coming
I am right there beside you. This whole study has been a struggle for me.
Oh amen..our Hope is found In You Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!
Our afflictions rarely seem MOMENTARY and LIGHT but what God has prepared for us WHEN WE DO NOT FICE UP !
Our afflictions rarely seem MOMENTARY & LIGHT,
Nothing can separate us from the love of God ❤️
Happy Friday she’s,
The theme of HOPE seems to continue for me from yesterday unto today. The manifold afflictions for godly ministry are so grievous that caused me to pray for our dear brothers and sisters (perplexed, persecuted, struck down, carrying the death of Jesus, and more). Hope in situations like that can shift focus, and will turn into a fuel to run the vehicle of ministry. It is supernatural to me. If we look to the things that are seen, we can get depressed. Ouch! (guilty me). The brokenness and crushing from God for the molding of the clay vessels from the Potter’s hand got me cringe. It was mentioned in Psalm 44:19, “But You have crushed us in the lair of jackals; You have covered us with deepest darkness”. I braced myself as I read this. We will be tried and tested by God, the dying to self & our idols must happen in the dark times. I struggled with this for a while as some molding pains could be tragic. God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are higher, and hence we need to learn to change, be flexible, and get rid of our ways to make room for His as He prompts us to. We no longer hope in the flesh or outward circumstances, because we should not, and cannot when things are exhausted. One by one God will go through our idols to kill them. He shares His glory with no one. Our hope should always be placed in the heavenly realm where no thieves of the night can come in to steal, kill, or destroy. Tears might be in the night, but joy shall come in the morning as we hope in Him. Hope must be placed where satan is denied access (God’s realm), to preserve the things that will be brought to full completion within us. He has started, He will finish – it is a scary thing. Hope that is seen is not hope. We hope in the unseen realm. Very abstract for me, but a spiritual principle which I must meditate on. Glory to His Truth that makes the simple wise. If we say we hope in Him, then when circumstances come to take away all our stuff, we find ourselves completely devastated. Then the trials come to prove our hope misplaced. The dreaded test of brokenness to locate our hope where it’s at is necessary. May God have mercy and direct our hope. Have a great weekend she’s. I am praying for the requests along your dedicated lists (so thankful for you all to lead by example by being faithful in prayers- Romans 12:12). Be blessed dear sisters.
This is from a different translation; And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. Amen!
At my friend’s wedding last week I said that God and Jesus were not an after thought. Her dad referenced Scripture. You don’t always see this at weddings now. . She said on that day and every day, God and Jesus are a priority! To God be the glory! He has set eternity in our hearts. He is the only One that can fill the vacuum! Thank You, Lord!
It blesses me every time I read, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying and pain will be no more because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
I wasn’t able to do my reading and devotion yesterday, so did both today. What uplifting words Paul provides to us! I hold tenaciously to the knowledge that NOTHING and No One can separate me from the love of God. I am His child and no matter what, He holds me in His hand. Just about makes me shout! On both days of this reading, I wrote HALLELUJAH! My heart sings praises.
I am praying for all the requests over the past couple of days:
MARIA BAER – I praise God that you are a manager who prays before counseling with your employee. I pray she receives your words in the spirit you intend them and can make the changes that help not only herself, but your whole work group.
KRISTEN – thank you for sharing the words of The Revelation Song. I love that song.
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – Praising God for the answered prayers of a great first day of school for you, and finding a room mother. Praying for each day to be great, and your foot pain to be healed.
LEHUA K – I’m praying for your husband to have a rapid and complete recovery from Covid, and for your health to be strong. I pray for healing of your ankle and for resolution of the conflict in your work situation.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – I pray for resolution of your sister’s housing needs
KIMBERLY Z – I’m sorry to hear your dad wasn’t able to get his implants surgery, and pray for healing for him.
CINDY HANNA – I’m praying for healing for you from the hurt of being verbally attacked at church. I pray you can feel Gods love and comfort around you like a warm blanket.
VICTORY E – I continue to hold you in prayer regarding your work situation and for Gods guidance in making a decision about staying or leaving. I pray for your mental health and ask Gods to bring peace and comfort to your mind.
KIM MULLINS – I’m praying for Abner’s interview with the US Embassy and that the interviewer is understanding to Abner and Katie’s need. I pray they are able to visit, and that the process for a green card goes smoothly and rapidly.
RACHEL ALADE – praying for your husband’s job search and for him to find the job that God has prepared for him.
PRAYING FOR ALL SHES AND FOR ALL REQUESTS, BOTH SPOKEN AND UNSPOKEN.
Dear sisters, tomorrow starts the beginning of a 9 day Christian camp meeting that I belong to. Our theme this year is “Journey of Grace”. We have Bible study, music, deeper faith discussions, meals together etc. We come from many different Christian faith backgrounds so Bible study is lively. We are located on the CT river so a beautiful (but a little hot” setting. Looking forward to getting my soul recharged! Prayers for all spoken and silently on hearts.❤️
Living in God’s Hope in the moment, in the middle of the story can be so difficult. We often can’t see His plan clearly in the midst of the trials and uncertainties of life, but we know the ultimate end of the story, eternal life and God completing His good work in us! We know his End Game plan therefore we are never without HOPE!
God’s time is the right time, so He’ll work things out for me in His will eventually as long as I stay on track & keep moving forward. There have been plenty of bumps, but some stability has arrived. It gets weird trying to adjust to good after lots of bumps (harder to accept and believe in the good), does that make any sense? All I know is God is great! ❤️
Loss and grieving would crush us if we did not have hope. Thank you Jesus that no matter what happens in my life I know that hope can keep my head above water. Help me to always look up to you.
Hope is evident. It is something that we can chose. That we can carry. Hope is a joy that lands in the success of Jesus blood He shed for us. Hope is a gift. And as Christians, it is given freely. Our part, is to receive. To say yes to hope.
When in a difficult situation…I’m not quick to think of myself as being “More than conqueror”. But the phrase, At the right time God… and Rebekah’s reminder that most problems don’t solve themselves in a day brought perspective to me. There is a process to overcoming the many trying troubles we have to face and the resolution doesn’t rest strictly on me. It rests with God’s good timing and his purpose to complete a good work in me.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6 what a comforting feeling to have. @TINA love your comment about hope. During a confusing season of life where I don’t know where God wants to take me I really appreciate the comfort in hope. Thank you all for your prayers for my dad. Unfortunately no implants for him… yet. Another skin graft was needed before they can begin that process. This healing process has been hard mentally. You think you’re healed from this tragic thing and then it rips back open with new surgeries and setbacks. Praying for you all today.
ONE day our groans will give way to glory. Perhaps today. Happy Friday sweet She’s. My favorite day of the week! Another great devotion this morning. I gravitated towards Philippians 1:6 and I remember the song we used to sing in the high school ministry over 20 years ago, “He Who Began a Good Work in You”. I think I speak for all of us, that we are all hard on ourselves, but let us not fret, our Jesus, our God remains faithful and loves us, unconditionally, and reminds us in Romans 8:38 NOTHING will separate us from HIS love, and I believe this promise!
These Words from God’s Word our so rich, true…actually precious treasures. But, I can struggle to grasp this. May God help us to really grasp His Word and be changed and May we praise and glorify Him for this! May this lead others to ask what happened and may they seek Him too!
@Michelle Patire! Thank you for this reminder and the truth about afflictions.
@Indiana Elaine- thank you! I also took a screenshot
@Maria, Victoria, Kelly Neo, Lehua, Racheal,and others praying
Cindy, church hurt and let downs are real. If only this wasn’t true. My story is different, but I was very upset at the time. In retrospect, the one incident, was probably more about someone caring and trying to help. I didn’t take it that way at the time. I thought trust was broken. The other was a shock that I didn’t see coming. I’m sorry that you experienced this. As you said, reading the Scripture and comments here helped. I have said this multiple times. People can hurt and many disappoint, but God is always good and faithful. Praying for you. May God give you peace and wisdom. Hope you are feeling better today.
We can’t be separated from the grace and love of Jesus!
Good morning sweet SRT sisters! I am lifting each of your requests up to our precious Lord! LAUREN GW, KIMBERLY Z, VICTORIA E, GRAMIESUE, JILL PIRHALLA, RACHEL ALADE, LEHUA K,RHONDA J, and many others—God is holding you and He is hearing your needs that are brought before Him by your SRT sisters! Thank you MICHELLE PATIRE for that great post of encouragement today!
Love each and every one of you!
Rachel Alade
I quit teaching high school in 2015. I thought I woul instantly get a job in one of the area schools. It did not happen that way.I ended up working in Target 11 months, I got a part time job teaching at an adult ed center. I had like four part time jobs. Many times, I prayed, “Lord, if you don’t help me,I am not going to make it. ” I got behind in my rent. Those were some scary times. I thank God when I did get a full time permanent job it was exceedingly beyond all I could ask or think! I still don’t understand why it took 3 years. I am a believer, I wasn’t in sin. I went to a Bible beliving church. I did see his provision in many ways. I felt like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. God is faithful. Many if the relationships I cultivated at my part time jobs have helped in my full time job! Now when people come to where I work now needing help looking for work, I understand and I care.
I don’t know why I’m struggling with this study. Maybe my mind isn’t focused enough these days? Some really stand out to me but most days I struggle through them to really get the message and to understand it. I so appreciate all the ladies who comment and break it down everyday, it really helps for me to clarify it. Have a great day everyone!!
@Racheal I am praying for your husband to find employment. I personally know the struggle of this as I have been out of work for 8 months. I will keep you both in my prayers. Keep trusting in God knowing He has a perfect plan.
WHILE I WAIT by Lincoln Brewster
Deep within my heart, I know You’ve won
I know You’ve overcome
And even in the dark, when I’m undone
I still believe it
I live by faith, and not by sight
Sometimes miracles take time
While I wait, I will worship
Lord, I’ll worship Your name
While I wait, I will trust You
Lord, I’ll trust You all the same
When I fall apart, You are my strength
Help me not forget
Seeing every scar, You make me whole
You’re my healer
I live by faith, and not by sight
Sometimes miracles take time
I live by faith, and not by sight
Sometimes miracles take time
While I wait, I will worship
Lord, I’ll worship Your name
While I wait, I will trust You
Lord, I’ll trust You all the same
You’re faithful every day
Your promises remain
You’re faithful every day
Your promises remain
You’re faithful every day
Your promises remain
You’re faithful every day
Your promises remain
Though I don’t understand it
I will worship with my pain
You are God, You are worthy
You are with me all the way
So while I wait, I will worship
Lord, I’ll worship Your name
Though I don’t have all the answers
Still I trust You all the same
Songwriters: Lincoln Brewster, Mitch Wong. For non-commercial use only.
Hope filled prayers for each of you!
@Mercy, thank you for pointing out the verse the other day about Romans 8:1!! What a difference the second half of the verse reads. I was aware that other translations have eliminated part of the verses, but I wasn’t aware of Romans 8:1.
Good Morning She’s!
Where is everyone?! This reading today!! So Good! It is a blanket of warmth for my weary body and soul, and this cloudy dreary day which is a rarity in SWFL! It’s amazing how God always gives you “Words” for what YOU need! Not only SRT, but on the radio programs I listen to this morning it was all about hope and enduring! Whether we are enduring physical pain, emotional pain from loss or hurts, or afflictions and problems that are “momentarily” hindering us we all struggle in this life! Thank God for Jesus…our eternal hope!! Our cloudy day will turn to sunshine, our ashes to beauty, our grief to heavenly reunion! For this world is short, eternity is eternal. I can’t imagine not being able to lean on and rely on Jesus and the word. And that’s the why of sharing His light! When we are broken we will run to something, our so-called vices, and those can be our downfall. For they are not a cure, they are a band aid…only OUR LORD can HEAL us! He IS WORTHY of ALL our Praise!! When we don’t feel like it- Praise. Give our worship! I love to do that through praise music! I have two good songs for you to coincide with exactly what I just wrote!
“Rest for your Soul” Austin French
“Hymn of Heaven” Phil Wickham
@Indiana- I also copied the prayer you shared, it was beautiful!
@Cindy- So sorry about the hurtful incident- I can’t imagine how mortifying that was and awkward. I hope you can have peace and understanding, and wisdom moving forward, especially if you go back to that church or a different one. Church hurt is a thing for sure. I have had some incidences, but in my case they were in love to keep me accountable, it just didn’t feel so good at the time!
@Kristine- that was good, ty!
@Tina- heart
@Mercy- heart
@Erb-so good
@Kimberly- How did your dad’s surgery go? Praying he keeps growing closer to Jesus in this second chance, gift of life!
@all my SHE”S- love ya and prayers for the requests!
I quit teaching high school in 2015. I thought I woul instantly get a job in one of the area schools. It did not happen that way.I ended up working in Target 11 months, I got a part time job teaching at an adult ed center. I had like four part time jobs. Many times, I prayed, “Lord, if you don’t help me,I am not going to make it. ” I got behind in my rent. Those were some scary times. I thank God when I did get a full time permanent job it was exceedingly beyond all I could ask or think! I still don’t understand why it took 3 years. I am a believer, I wasn’t in sin. I went to a Bible beliving church. I did see his provision in many ways. I felt like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. God is faithful. Many if the relationships I cultivated at my part time jobs have helped in my full time job! Now when people come to where I work now needing help loiking for work, I understand and I care.
Excerpt from David Guzik’s commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:17:
It is as if Paul says, “Go ahead and get out the scale. Put all your afflictions on one side of the scale, and even put your thumb down on that side. Then let me place the weight of glory on the other side of the scale, and you will see what a light affliction you really have.”
Yes, our affliction is light!
• Our affliction is light compared to what others suffer.
• Our affliction is light compared to what we deserve.
• Our affliction is light compared to what Jesus suffered for us.
• Our affliction is light compared to the blessings we enjoy.
• Our affliction is light as we experience the sustaining power of God’s grace.
• Our affliction is light when we see the glory that it leads to.
…
<3
I was in the gym listening to a song about this verse. (There is an artist profile called "Verses" and it's literally just different Christian artists singing Scripture for memory. Highly recommend!)
It's like a kick in the butt in the most needed and loving way. Like God saying, "Hey, you think this problem is long lasting and hard, but really, think about it in terms of eternity. It is a drop in the bucket." It puts things into perspective. It makes me feel relieved in some sense. It definitely doesn't solve the problem, but it makes it feel smaller. Like, "oh yeah, this isn't going to last forever." As She @Indiana put it yesterday, if we are still breathing, God isn't through with us here on Earth. .
One last verse I have in memory
Psalm 119:75 NKJV –
"I know, O Lord, that Your judgements are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me."
Preaching to myself :) I try to repeat "LIGHT AND MOMENTARY" to myself when my problems feel consuming. Hope this helps someone else. Love you girls!!!
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6
Let me cling to this verse! Sometimes it feels like I’m just marking time not going anywhere. But I know God is always with me and if I keep praying, reading God’s word, and seeking Him and praising Him, I will keep moving in the direction He wants me to go. What do I know? Deep in my heart? God is good, faithful, loving, merciful, full of grace, kind, The Good Shepherd, He is Jehovah Jirah, my Redeemer, my Hightower, He hides me in the shelter of His wings, …..I could go on and on. He is the only thing that can fill the whole in our heart that is only meant for Him! He is our Hope!
I also feel to put.. Let us not shrink back from the TRUTH, but instead confidently and humbly display it, in the Spirit of God. Amen.
Philippians 1:6
**Yes!!! I believe this with my whole heart and every fiber of my being!!! Thank You Lord!! Thank You Father!!! You are SO GOOD to us!!! Such a privilege to see Your faithfulness and fulfillment!!
2 Corinthians 4:7-11
**no matter how difficult, may Jesus and God ALWAYS be seen through us!!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
**these verses say it all… and definitely shift our focus!! We live for what is eternal, not for what is just passing through!! Good chiropractic adjustment.
-28th
Psalm 44:21
**such a good reminder that God KNOWS… nothing is hidden from Him. Let us be pure in heart. Let us always seek and put Him above everything!! Amen.
-28th
Romans 8:37-39
**Yes and AMEN!!!! Let us speak Life and live/know this truth in our everyday lives!! Nothing can separate us from You and Your love Father!! You are beyond GOOD to us!!!
I really love how in the middle of the rich theological book that is Romans, the Believer’s Triumph reminds us to pause and not forget that while Paul may be dissecting it for us to understand, ultimately, this is the Gospel.
I really love how in the middle of the rich theological book that is Romans, the Believer’s Triumph reminds us to pause and not forget that ultimately, and while Paul may be dissecting it for us to understand, this is the Gospel.
One day our groans will give way to glory (Romans 8:23). While we wait, we place our hope in Jesus.
@Mercy – thanks for the callout. Arrived safe and sound.
@Kristine Loughman – thanks for sharing God’s gift to you yesterday.
@Victoria E – praying God’s peace would break through
Praying for others too
When we are going through trials, we have hope in Christ that everything will work out but sometimes it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but Jesus Christ is always faithful.
I will appreciate your prayers people of God, my husband has been job searching for a while and it feels like all we hear is NO. We keep praying and waiting on God for his will concerning a good job.
We have this treasure in jars of clay… I’ve been feeling like a clay jar these days. Plain, fragile, easily broken, not worth a second glance. But God has also been teaching me the importance of the vessel, this human body I’ve been given. I had started putting more emphasis on the clay jar and not enough on the treasure inside. Maybe God had to hollow me out a bit more so he could pour more of himself in. After all, he promised to work ALL THINGS for good, not just some things. It echoes the verse that hangs on our living room wall, that “In him, ALL THINGS hold together.”
LEHUA- that is…a lot. Prayers for your husband’s (and your) health, and that it not add more stress to a complicated work situation. VICTORIA- I pray for clarity and peace with your job situation. To everyone needing physical healing, I pray for these fragile jars of clay we’ve been given. May we be filled with physical relief and resilience of spirit.
I continue to be buoyed by your prayers, ladies. God is so faithful. I called all 24 of my new students yesterday to introduce myself. Every year before I pick up the phone for these calls, I pray over my list of names and particularly I pray for a parent to volunteer to be my Room Mom. I worked my way down the list and the the last mom I called asked right off the bat if she could volunteer. Relentless Gratitude.
I pray that our hopes will be anchored in Christ alone! He is our firm foundation and solid rock.
REBEKAH LYONS, thank you for this truth!
Two things jumped out at me, well actually the two amount to one, because they are connected.
My daughter had a pseudo name that she used when she was out with friends.. Rebecca..
I smiled when I saw your name, as I was reminded of this..
As I read the devotion, I was recalling my story, my journey and absolutely for sure how a gift of hope in a picture God gave me, when my girl was called home to be with the Lord, has sustained me..
HOPE, has long since been my favorite word.. so much of life is lived in hope.. I hope to see you again.. I hope you arrive safely.. I hope your dreams come true.. I hope you like it.. we hope you are well.. etc, etc, etc..
I think, our earthly hope is in built..
BUT GOD..
But God’s Hope.. the Hope we have in God, because of Jesus, that Hope, is different to our earthly hope. It reaches to the heavens and deep into our hearts and souls. It renews, restores, revives, regenerates. This HOPE breathes life back into us, it rebuilds us, seeing things differently, yet, with the same eyes. Hearing things differently, yet with the same ears..
I have been changed, for many reasons, and in many ways, but the HOPE I have, because of Jesus, BECAUSE OF JESUS, fills my heart with Praise to God, always..
BUT GOD..
AMEN.
Happy Friday precious ones wrapped in love and prayers for a God Hope filled day whatever you are doing..❤️