Looking back on a year with so much uncertainty Paul gives us a reminder of the certainties we have in Christ. The certainty of hope, the certainty of suffering, and the certainty of transformation. Our hope in the New Year can't be in circumstances, but we can have great hope in our God who redeems all things for His glory and our joy.

Application Questions:

1. Do you have a difficult time finding joy and suffering at the same time?
2. What are some ways you see that God can and does use suffering for our good?
3. Can you see the joy in His purposes, even when those are painful? How?
4. What are some ways you can have hope in the coming year knowing that God is redeeming everything?