Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
~ Romans 5:1-11
We don’t like tribulations—sometimes we think if we are serving the Lord, we shouldn’t have tribulations. But James tells us to exult in our tribulations—not because we like the tribulations, but because of the results. Perseverance, character, and, ultimately, hope result from tribulation. And the tribulation that we experience will not compare with what Jesus went through for us or the glory that will come.
Lord, I don’t like to go through tribulation, but you use tribulation to build my character and give me hope. Give me an appreciation of the value of tribulation and help me to reap the benefits any time I suffer. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Image: © Depositphotos.com/urozunic