Romans 5:1-6
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strenth, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
We have put much thought into each and every gift that we have picked out for others this Christmas. Our children have surprised us with the thought behind each gift they picked out. As I spent time reading God's Word and then stumbling upon this article, I realize that God has blessed us with the perfect gifts this year. It has been a tough year, but God is at work and we rejoice!
"In this verse, Paul outlines a chain reaction that is put into place when followers of Jesus respond to difficult circumstances in the right way. The chain begins with suffering but ends with hope: suffering - perseverance - character - hope.
Suffering (or tribulation) is translated from the Greek word ‘thlipsis’, which means to be under pressure. The term was used of squeezing olives in a press in order to extract the oil, or of squeezing grapes to extract the juice.
When we are “squeezed” by difficult circumstances, the Lord is trying to extract perseverance from us.
Perseverance is a spiritual fortitude that bears up under, and is made even stronger by suffering. It is like the resolution of a marathon runner to keep running in spite of the difficulties encountered. Perseverance leads to character. The Greek term denotes character of a “proven” nature – like precious metals that have been tested and found pure. This, in turn, leads to a deeper hope in the glory of God.
Like a muscle, hope will not be strong if it goes unused.
It is in suffering that we exercise hope by persevering and by being tested and proved pure in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances. This process results in an even deeper conviction of the reality and certainty of that for which we hope (Romans 4:18-19).
The harder nails are hit, the deeper they are driven. Sufferings drive us to a deeper level. When we feel the pain of that first domino’s fall...that chain reaction...we can be confident that when the last one falls, Christ will have produced in us a deeper certainty in His goodness and in our destiny as children of God."
We rarely think of tribulation as a gift! But when I see the promise of what tribulation produces because of faith in Christ...because of God's grace...patience, experience, hope...because of the love of God shed in my heart...I can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God!
What a gift! He always has what is best for me in mind!
