The Blessings of Tribulation

The Blessings of Tribulation

In times of trial, the temptation is to flee from God and to blame God. In reality we need to take shelter under God as his word instructs us.

Tribulation is defined as great affliction, trial, or distress (American Heritage Dictionary). When faced with tribulation we have two options. We can give up or persevere. Example: Say you just found out that you have cancer. You can:
a.) Choose to fight it through treatments and surgery

or

b.) simply give up and die.
Most would choose to fight, to persevere and overcome the cancer. To do so would be a lesson in perseverance, but to what avail?

Perseverance is defined as steady persistence in adhering to a course of action (American Heritage Dictionary). To persevere is to demonstrate steadfastness.

Character is the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another (American Heritage Dictionary). It is what defines an organization or individualization.

Look at it this way: Christians undergo tribulation which produces in us perseverance. That perseverance is a distinguishing element in the organization that is the body of Christ. The character we demonstrate is one of steadfastness. And if we have this character of perseverance which defines us as Christians and is a product of our trials, then we know we have hope.

Hope is a wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment (American Heritage Dictionary). So, because of tribulation, there is a desire with an anticipation that the desire will be delivered. The verse says that this hope “does not disappoint”. You have assurance that this hope will be fulfilled because the hope is the love of God which is present within the Christian through the Holy Spirit. This hope is salvation through Jesus Christ.
The application in these verses is that we should not become depressed or give up on God or life because of the trials we face. Many walk further and further from God because of trials in their lives because they do not understand this. We are called to be sanctified in Christ, set apart from holiness and we walk the other way. Rather, take comfort from the love of God in times of trials because your reward is in heaven.

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