Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Andthis 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.

We use the same word “hope” in English to mean many different things. But in Spanish there are two words for hope. Ojalarmeans “to hope” in the sense that you wish something were true, but you don’t actually know. The word esperar means both “to hope” and “to wait for” and it implies an expectation that what you hope for will come to pass.

The problems and trials that strengthen our character also increase our hope in our salvation. But it is not the “I wish!” kind of hope; it is a “confident hope.” We can expect that it will come to pass because all of our experiences lead us to believe that God is who He says He is.

-Kevi

 

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