Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:1-5

Against the discordant tones sung by the events around us, nation after nation in turmoil, weather elements bringing devastation all over the earth, disquiet at family level and growing pangs of physical hunger, it’s as though I never read our text of today before! Take a look at this text in as many translations as you can lay you hands upon, there is consensus that because we have been made right in God by FAITH in His promises these things hold true; because of my FAITH in Jesus Christ:

• I (You, if you fit this condition) have real peace;
• I have been brought into this place of highest privilege; and
• I can confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for me (another place says look forward to sharing His glory)

More to this unparalleled bargain, I can confidently rejoice in the face of all these discordant tones because they are intended to teach me patience, develop in me the strength of character needed to trust God the more until my hope and faith are steady in strength as in an overcomer. It is the overcomer who can boldly declare that no matter what, all things work together for good because God loves him.

Beloved do you believe? Think on these things, look again and breathe a new breath of life.