EMBRACING TRIBULATION
by W. G. Guy
This is a topic that people do not want to hear about: trials and tribulation! But the Bible tells us that such is a common experience for the followers of Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
What are trails and tribulations, and how do they occur? Trials are various forms of testing that produces suffering. Tribulation is a significant misery or distress producing a time of trouble. Either of these can be caused by a form of physical, financial or material affliction or religious persecution: produced by war, financial collapse, physical disease or oppressive government.
All such things have already been experienced to a degree in most of the world; but there is more that is likely to come as scripture tells us. Just as Jesus said, In the world ye shall have tribulation – (John 16:33). So if we live in this world, we believers in Jesus, will experience tribulation!
We need to recognize that there is a benefit to be gained from experiencing trials and tribulations. Thus we need to be prepared to embrace them in order to reap the benefits.
Romans 5:3-4 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed;
Experiencing trials and tribulations produces the virtue of PATIENCE as we learn how to endure going through such. This patience is a necessary quality of a moral and godly life as we learn these experiences. These actually work together to increase our faith as we successfully overcome such negative experiences. We are also driven to seek help in God’s Word and in prayer which also increases our faith and hope.
James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Such trials and tribulations, no matter what form they take, build us up and equip us to overcome and to be more than conquerors.
Romans 8:36-38 – As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter (facing trials and tribulations). Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
This equipping is part of the process of maturing in the LORD, being built up into the fullness of Christ. It is referred to as a ”perfect work”. The word perfect as used above means “complete”: that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. This indicates that the trials and tribulations are one of the final stages to build us up into the full maturity of Christ. Obviously it is not for the newly born-again believer, who is weak in faith, or the knowledge of His Word.
Matthew 13:20-21 – But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Having endured various levels of trials and tribulations brings a confidence in God’s love for you that helps you to face on-going opposing circumstances with confidence in Him.
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This may be a reason why Jesus made the following statement:
Matthew 10:22 – And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Enduring hatred and opposition is a means of tribulation, a form of persecution that all true believers face.
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But with real faith fixed in Christ and His Word we know the outcome:
Romans 8:31-35 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
So when you are faced with trials and tribulations, submit your circumstances to the Lord, and the authority of His Word, and you will receive the strength to endure, and He will see you through to overcome. Note: do not create your own trials and tribulations by doing your own thing, or stepping into situations that the LORD does not want you in. Sometimes we create our own problems by making mistakes, or not heeding God’s Word.
1 Peter 5:6-8 – Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Therefore, don’t seek to escape, but embrace your trials and tribulations as opportunities to see the LORD move on your behalf; giving you a testimony of His grace and mercy for others to see and hear. He will carry you through it.
Psalm 23:4 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
1 John 5:4-5 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
It appears that the world is headed for a serious time of tribulation; a shaking of every institution of man. How will we as true believers stand in such a time if we are not standing firm in Christ and on His Word.
Hebrews 12:25-29 – See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.
There is more tribulation is coming; and some have been experiencing it for quite a while!
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
There are those who think that they will escape tribulation: better think again and search the scriptures and be prepared, because God’s Word is true! Your faith and patience will carry you through as your put your trust in Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledgr him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Whatever the LORD allows to occur on this earth, He will be with you, and will carry you through. Where He leads you, His Holy Spirit will sustain you!
