Hemmed In by Troubles? How God Turns Pain into Overflowing Blessings – Romans 5
As I sit here looking out at the blanket of snow that's kept us from gathering in person today, I can't help but reflect on how life sometimes hems us in with unexpected challenges. Whether it's a winter storm stranding us at home or deeper struggles like financial worries, relationship strains, or health issues, we've all been there. Recently, during a live stream to our church family near Scott Air Force Base and beyond, I shared from Romans 5:3-5—a passage that's been a lifeline for my wife Carrie and me through many tough seasons. Today, let's dive into this Scripture together and uncover how troubles can lead to passionate patience, forged virtue, and an alert expectancy for God's generous outpouring. As we explore this, remember: we're committed to walking alongside one another, growing in faith, and sharing Christ's love—no matter the weather.
The Reality of Being Hemmed In
We all face times when troubles seem to close in around us, don't we? In Romans 5:3-5 from The Message paraphrase, it starts with: "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles." This resonates deeply with me because Carrie and I have clung to these words during seasons of uncertainty—job losses, family challenges, and even moments bordering on depression. I remember sitting with a counselor, pouring out our hearts, and God kept bringing this verse back to us. Troubles aren't just random; they're opportunities for growth. As James 1:2-4 (NIV) echoes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, we've seen this in our community—folks near Scott Air Force Base dealing with deployments or moves, families navigating everyday stresses. But here's the hope: these moments aren't the end; they're the beginning of something God is forging in us.
How Troubles Build Passionate Patience
The passage continues: "because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us." Oh, how true this is! I've often joked that you should never pray for patience unless you're ready for God to teach it through trials—like waiting on a job offer or dealing with a broken-down vehicle when you least expect it. Patience isn't passive; it's passionate, born from trusting God amid the wait. Think about the Apostle Paul writing to the Romans during intense persecution—no First Amendment protections, just raw faith under fire from the government and society. Yet, he praised God anyway. In our own lives, whether it's the snow piling up outside or bigger battles, these troubles refine us. As we gather in our Bible study groups in Mascoutah, IL, we've shared stories of how patience has grown through small groups and community meals at our church. It's in these forged moments that we learn to lean on Him, developing a resilience that prepares us for what's next.
Forging Virtue and Alert Expectancy
And then comes the transformation: "and how patience, in turn, forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next." This "tempered steel" is about character—staying righteous, not losing our temper, and refusing to throw in the towel. In alert expectancy, we're not just surviving; we're watching for God's move. The verse assures us: "In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" Carrie and I have lived this—through waits of weeks, months, or even years, God always emerged us stronger spiritually, physically, and mentally. At our military-friendly church near Scott AFB, we've witnessed this in families who've endured relocations or hardships, only to find overflowing blessings on the other side. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." God's not stingy; He's generous through the Holy Spirit.
Living Out Romans 5:3-5
Here are some practical steps to help you embrace troubles as pathways to blessing:
Adopt the Verse Personally: Memorize Romans 5:3-5 in a version that speaks to you, like The Message. Hide it in your heart (Psalm 119:11) and recite it during tough moments—whether shoveling snow or facing a family crisis.
Practice Passionate Patience: When troubles hit, pause and pray: "Lord, develop patience in me." Journal one thing you're grateful for each day to shift your focus from the problem to God's provision.
Stay Alert in Community: Join a small group at First Baptist Church Mascoutah or our ConneXion groups to share burdens and expectancies. If you're near Scott Air Force Base, reach out—we're here to pray and support. Consider baptism if you're ready to publicly declare your faith.
Look for Overflow: Track "containers" of blessings—notes on answered prayers, unexpected calls from loved ones, or community help. Share these in our Bible study groups to encourage others.
Friends, as we wrap up, let's remember that being hemmed in by troubles isn't a dead end; it's a divine setup for growth and abundance. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, IL, we're living this out together—through our Lighthouse Preschool for young families, our military-friendly ministries near Scott AFB, and upcoming events like our community meals and First Step gatherings. Even though the snow canceled our in-person service, including communion and other milestones, I know God is working blessings we can't yet contain. I invite you to visit us soon—whether you're seeking a church near Mascoutah, IL, or just need a place to belong.
