Romans 5:3-5

Romans 5:3-5

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.”

I just returned home a few days ago from spending a couple of weeks at our daughter’s home in Missouri. The first week or so there was spent waiting for our new granddaughter to be born. We did all kinds of home projects and errands during that time. And I will admit, it was hard watching Rachel waddle around VERY pregnant, with little relief from the “loose hip joints,” swollen feet, and the general discomforts of an overdue pregnancy in the summer.

Little Rosanna Chloe was born (very rapidly) the night before we left town! I attended the three hour labor and delivery and once again, experienced “labor pains” myself as I watched my daughter endure a very overwhelming birthing process. I could only do so much to bring relief and comfort to her.

A little over a week later, I was back down in Rachel’s home again, this time offering some support and help after her hubby Stephen returned to work. Now the challenges were different, adjusting to having a newborn with feeding, diapering, and sleeping demands, a two year old not used to being “supplanted” by a younger sibling, and a tired mama and papa dealing with it all. Nothing all that unusual, but still, I wanted to wave a magic wand and cause everything to be “perfect” for my little girl.

Driving back home after my stint in Missouri, God reminded me of a precious lesson that he has for all “mothers” – that of letting go and letting God do what He wants in growing up their kids. Because that is indeed what God is doing, ladies: growing us all up! And what better way of stimulating growth than through pruning!!

Romans 5: 3-5 says it this way, “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.”

Much as it’s hard to watch our kids and loved ones go through hard situations, it is very reassuring to remember that God THE Father, knows very best how to mature us and draw us into closer fellowship with Him. And that maturing process more often than not involves pain!

I’m already seeing some fruit in our daughter’s life because of the last month of trials. It’s good! God is good… He’s a good, good Father and He knows how to take care of his kids!!