Perseverance, Character, and Hope



Some great thoughts and reflections from Robert McKethan:
This week, our Sunday school lesson is from Paul's letter to the Romans…focusing on Chapter 5 verses 1 through 11.  Verses 3-5 really caught my attention:
3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.   
Paul's discussion of tribulation was related to the persecution and trials of the early church.  In the 21st century, tribulation is defined as grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering. It is not necessary to detail the current world circumstances but by this definition, we are in a time of severe trial and suffering.
I see evidence of this perseverance, character and hope among the Greenway family.  We continue with the things we were doing before COVID-19 hit the world stage.  Although we are not meeting for worship and fellowship, our pastors, worship leaders and ministry leaders are steadfast in their care for the Greenway family. As a church family we continue to:
·      Pray for one another
·      Check up on one another
·      Be engaged in the scriptures
·      Distribute food
·      Provide meals
·      Watch Pastor Darrell's sermons
·      Watch the Wednesday evening Bible study online.
We do these things because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in each of us!

Your brother in Christ, Robert

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