Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS
When was the last time that you were glad that you had a bad day? Do you like it when things don't go smoothly, or even when they don't go as well as you would have liked? Don't you get discouraged when you face tribulations in life? If so, these words of the apostle Paul may surprise you at first. But Paul reminds us of the results of those tribulations which come to us on a daily basis. What happens when we face those tribulations? ". . . tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."
There are many great examples in the Bible of how believers receive comfort in tribulations. Take for example the life of Joseph, David, or even Peter. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Once he was in Egypt he was thrown into prison because of false charges made by the wife of his boss. Yet the Lord was with him all the way and brought him out of that adversity to become to second most powerful man in Egypt. Later Joseph told his brothers, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive" (Genesis 50:20). These events served to strengthen his faith and gave him a confidence that he had a Savior from all his sins.
God works through our tribulations for good. No matter how bad we may think things are going for us, God is right there watching over us and will make some good come out of it. Ultimately, our trials and tribulations lead us back to His Word and that strengthens our faith. In faith we persevere, we make it through those hard times, and it gives us character.
In the end we are led right back to that hope or confidence which does not disappoint. In these times of trial and tribulation the Christian finds the gospel all the more bright, glorious, and comforting. Those rough days lead us to appreciate much more the glorious life which is ahead for us in heaven!
In every condition - in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea &
The Lord, the Almighty, they strength e'er shall be.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 427:2)
