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I don't know if you've ever lifted a desperate prayer that asked, "Lord, why are you keeping me here?" but that line in Samantha Ebert's song "Flowers" gets me every time. That one that acknowledges the valley I'm in but reminds me that God has something beautiful in mind that will bloom from the soil of suffering.

Scripture details what good comes from suffering. Join me as we explore part of a letter from Paul to the Romans together.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Episode Guide Available – Download your free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/511download to help you interact with Scripture.
• Personal Connection to the Song – I share how Flowers ministered to me during my waiting season.
• Mountaintop vs. Valley Perspective – Drawing from personal experiences hiking in the Smoky Mountains and biblical wisdom from Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God, I discuss how our circumstances can cloud our view of God, but seeking His perspective brings clarity.
• Romans 5:3–5 Breakdown – Exploring how suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—the flowers that grow in the valley.
• Cross-References & Biblical Themes: 
  • Psalm 126:5–6 – Sowing in tears, reaping in joy.
  • James 1:2–4 – Trials produce steadfastness, leading to spiritual maturity.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:9-10 – Proven character results in obedience and forgiveness.
  • Romans 4:18-25 – Abraham’s unwavering hope in God’s promises.

BITE (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises) Used:

• Following cross-references
• Studying words in original Greek (hypomone – endurance, dokime – character, elpis – hope)
• Reading in context (Romans 4–6)
• Making lists (evidence of faith and hope in Scripture)
• Comparing and contrasting passages

Takeaways:

• God is growing something beautiful even in your suffering.
• Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it’s a well-grounded expectation in God’s faithfulness.
• Viewing your circumstances through God’s perspective changes everything.

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - New Release Today
• Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby - Amazon Paid Link
• BibleHub.com for cross-references
• Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read Romans 4-6 before focusing in on Romans 5:3-4. Look for the flowers that grow in the valley of our suffering. Make lists, define words, and complete word studies. Follow the cross-references and take time to meditate on what you are reading and studying. Use the Episode Guide to help.

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