- "And not only that, but we also glory tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance [endurance];
- and perseverance, character [approved 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."
Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV)
• Tribulations, trials, help us develop perseverance.
- The goal or aim of any tribulation permitted by God is to produce perseverance—endurance (James 1:2-4).
- Without patience-endurance or perseverance, we cannot walk with God.
• Faith and patience work together.
- You cannot claim you have faith without patience, both work together.
- The genuineness of faith is known through trials.
• A man cannot claim he has faith, when the faith has not been tried and tested.
- Strength and authenticity of someone's faith is known in tribulations.
- How you fare in tribulations or trials, when your faith is tested, is the proof, evidence, of the quality and genuineness of your faith.
- "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
- Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience [endurance or perseverance].
- BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK, that you may be PERFECT [mature] and COMPLETE, lacking nothing."
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
• The purpose of patience-endurance is to make you perfect, that is, mature and complete.
- And maturity in Christ means approved character—someone who has Christlike character.
- So, when tribulation comes; it is meant to mature you, develop patience-endurance in you, and the patience will produce approved character (Romans 5:4).
• If you see any Christian who lacks character, it is because such has not passed through tribulations.
- Someone who has experienced trials, tribulations, would have developed patience, which would eventually produce godly character—that is if he does allow patience to have its perfect work (James 1:4).
- Unbroken Christians are full of the self: they are self-conceited and arrogant.
- Such are heady, always want to have their ways.
- Note: Any character defects you do not allow God to deal with, in your Life, would eventually work against you in the assignment committed to your hands.
- "For our earthly father's disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's DISCIPLINE is always good for us, SO THAT WE MIGHT SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS.
- No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful HARVEST OF RIGHT LIVING FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRAINED IN THIS WAY."
Hebrews 12:10,11 (NLT)
- The main concern of God is what the trial or tribulation will produce in your life, not your comfort really.
• If you have found yourself in various trials and tribulations lately; do not be despaired, God is working on you to mature you, because He has a purpose for your life.
- I want to enjoin you to cooperate with God and allow Him to do whatever He intended to do—you will not regret you did submit to Him.
"Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful."
James 5:11 (NKJV)
"And the LORD restored Job's losses [turned the captivity of Job, what was captured from Job] when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."
Job 42:10 (NKJV)
• Tribulation produces PERSEVERANCE; and perseverance, CHARACTER; and character, HOPE—now hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:3-5).
"BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ENDURES TRIBULATION; for when he has been APPROVED, he will receive the CROWN 👑 of LIFE which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
James 1:12 (NKJV)
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Peace!