Main Idea || It is when we suffer that we discover what we are really trusting and hoping in: ourselves, or God. Romans 5:3–5 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Depending on our view of God, hardships will shape or shipwreck our faith. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, We don’t rejoice our problems & trials. We rejoice our problems & trials. Hardships are a for dependence or a of authenticity. What are the positive results of suffering? …for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 1. . 2. . 3. . 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. While you’re IN your hardship… 1. Let them deepen your in justification by grace. 2. Let them your trust in justification by works. Signs of trouble or trust Trouble : We blame God. Trust : We pursue God. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: 1. Consider a specific difficulty or hardship you have experienced as a Christian (it may be something you are experiencing right now). Were any of these true for you? a. It led you to focus, to single-mindedness. b. It led you to a deeper experience of God’s presence and love. c. It led you to a greater closeness, a sense of nearness. d. It helped you sift out the unimportant from the important. e. It helped focus your attention more on prayer and on what God has done for you. 2. Was there ever an area of suffering or disappointment in your life which you are seeing as punishment from God, instead of God working to bring you closer to him? 3. It is when we suffer that we discover what we are really trusting and hoping in: ourselves, or God. Why do you think that might help us more than our own uninterrupted affluence?