January 28 2021

Today, Thursday January 28

Romans 5:3-4

Many people have the mistaken idea that if they become a Christian all their problems and sufferings will simply go away. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus warned and told His disciples just before His crucifixion in John 16 that “in this world you will suffer tribulation.”

In the passage we are looking at today Paul gives us the fourth blessing that we will receive because of our justification before a holy God. Remember the first one is “peace with God.” Next is “access to God.” The third blessing is “rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.”

Now in verses three and four we read about the next blessing, which is Christian Character. “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4) For sure the believer will still have to face suffering and tribulations in this life, but we are assured that God has a purpose for it.

Oswald Chambers said, “It’s not so much that tribulation produces character in my life, but that it first reveals the kind of character I presently have.” Your initial response to suffering will immediately reveal what kind of faith you truly have. If you respond to suffering with anger, revenge, worry or paralyzing fear, you realize that your faith is weak and you are not trusting in the Lord like you should. And that’s the time to ask the Lord to help you have the confidence in His promises and to give you grace to lean on Him for His guidance and strength to endure and go through the difficulty.

Yes, my friend, God means for the trials we face to work for us and not against us.

Romans 8:31-39 reminds us that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” So, like James says in chapter one, we can “count it all joy when we falling into a trial or suffering, knowing that it will produce endurance”, and a Christ-like response that will amaze the world around us!

Please trust and obey Him today and enjoy spiritual growth that makes you more like Jesus every day!

God bless!