Read Romans 5:1-4 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Paul passionately listed the blessings we have in Christ Jesus: justification, peace with God, access by faith into grace, and hope of God’s glory. What blessed assurance! Then in verse 3 he states, “more than that, we rejoice in our suffering.” By seeing suffering as a blessing, Paul encourages us to adopt a joyful attitude.
“Count it all joy,… when you meet trials of various kinds,” write James (1:2). Why? Because “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (v.3). Through trials and tribulations God works for us, not against us. Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We will experience difficulties, but how we view them by faith is essential.
Because of my husband’s health problems, our faith was put on the test many times. As shocking as it was then when he was faced with open-heart surgery, we were never afraid. After the successful surgery, however, he developed a staph infection and became very sick. For 3 months, he battled the infection as the doctors were forced to reopen the incision three times. Fear crept into my heart, and my faith began to weaken. As we prayed and kept our focus on Jesus, we began to see what He was doing through us.
Because we were trusting God for the outcome - no matter what it would be - our testimony of resilient faith affected those around us. They were watching as we went through the fiery trail, and it was having a profound impact on their lives. When God’s work was complete, my husband was healed.
As 1 Peter 1:6-7 tells us, our faith will be tried in the fire of hardship to teach us patience and to ultimately bring glory, praise, and honor to Jesus.
-Denise Shaw-
Responding - How do I stay focused on God during trails?
Following - Trials and tribulation can work for us, not against us.
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