Many of us know what it feels like to be tired. We carry grief, illness, caregiving responsibilities, unanswered prayers, and seasons that stretch on far longer than we expected.

When we hear Paul's words about endurance, character, and hope, it can sound as though the goal is to become stronger, better, or more spiritually accomplished. But is character really the destination Paul has in mind? What if character isn't the hero of Paul's story? What if hope is?

This week we'll explore a surprising truth hidden in Romans 5. Before endurance. Before character. Before hope. There is peace. Grace. Love. Presence.  Perhaps perseverance is not about proving our strength, but discovering God's presence. Because God stays, hope remains possible. And because hope remains possible, perseverance becomes possible.