By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
If you have grown up in the church, then undoubtedly you have heard the following exchange.
Normally, it is a newer Christian who prays for patience.
Right away, every older Christian within earshot says:
“oh, don’t pray for patience—because that comes through tribulation.”
The biblical foundation for this is from Paul’s writings in Romans 5.
He reminds us that we have ‘peace WITH God through Jesus Christ.”
He states in verse 2 that ‘we exult in hope of the glory of God.”
Who doesn’t like those thoughts?
But it is in verse 3 that Paul changes gears to speak about tribulation.
In fact, he says that ‘we also exult in our tribulations.’
So, in one phrase following another Paul says:
we exult in hope of the glory of God but we also exult in our tribulations.
It is here that we land as we ask: “how in the world can someone exult in tribulation?”
It is when we understand the purpose of trials that we can see God’s hand and so exult.
Paul points out that tribulation brings about a process that leads to spiritual growth.
Here is what happens:
ONE--Tribulation brings about perseverance
We use the expression: “no pain no gain” and that certainly applies here.
If we want to get stronger—we must go through hardships of some kind.
Want to be a better athlete? You must work hard and be disciplined and make sacrifices.
Want to be a better cook? It will take time and work.
Any time we want to be better it will mean trials and sacrifices of some sort.
TWO—perseverance brings about proven character
Issues are going to face anybody who wants to do anything well.
A big question becomes: “how do they handle stress?”
It is easy to be godly and spiritual and to walk in righteousness when all is going well.
But how someone handles tough situations is a great indicator of the character of the individual.
And that is what tribulation produces.
THREE—proven character brings about hope
Once again, when all is well, I don’t need to ‘throw myself on the mercies of God.’
But it is in the midst of the tribulations of life I need to know that God will be with me.
As we go through this whole process we find then that our trust and hope in the Lord grows stronger.
It simply cannot happen when everything in life is going well because then we grow complacent.
I don’t like trials; I will be honest with you.
But if I am to grow stronger—I want to embrace the Lord Who loves me as He helps me to grow in Him.