"The Sweetness of Trial" Book Reading and Commentary - "Hope Smiles" Episode 10, Pt 1 - Pgs 137-143

Episode 10, Pt 1 - Pgs 137-143 leads off with a great scripture by Paul the Apostle, found in his letter to the Christian saints in Rome (Romans 5:3-5). "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." We learn from Paul that tribulation (trial) has its place in our lives, even teaching us patience so that we can learn to see the hand of God at work in our lives. Can you remember a time when the hand of God was so visible in your life that you could not deny it? (Remember my story of "The Lost Spur?") Did not this experience give you "hope?" And this condition of hope, did it not bring a sense of relief and even happiness to your soul? "And hope maketh not ashamed." YES! Hope is a necessary ingredient in sustaining us through our trial. If you are currently downtrodden over your trial and have let negative self-talk take the place of positive in your life, then you must "work" to fill your soul with "hope!" The next two Episodes of "Hope Smiles" will help you do just that!