Did you know that perseverance builds character, and character produces hope? The word “hope” in the Bible is translated from the Greek word “elpis.” It is defined as “joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation.” For some individuals, their suffering, pressures, and tough situations have actually transformed them into positive and hopeful people. Despite everything, they’ve learned to walk through life with an inner strength and joy that’s evidenced to everyone. 

Some of the believers I know who have gone through the worst situations are amongst the most positive people I know. Because of their experiences, they are confident that God can get them through life’s challenges. That being said, let’s not blame others for where we are in life, as we have all made mistakes. I cannot blame my spouse and hope to get a better marriage, or blame my parents for my health problems. I cannot blame the government or my boss and hope that will solve my money problems. We tend to do this all the time because it comes from a place of shame.

Friend, let’s view the responsibilities and the pressures of life as something that God will carry us through to make us more hopeful, joyful, and more powerful people. Let us never catch ourselves saying, “that isn’t fair,” or blaming others for where we are in life. We can move freely in life with hope, expectation and absolute confidence in the great God who loves us unconditionally!