Romans 12:12, Patient In Tribulation

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Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Jesus assures us in John 16:33, “…that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

The word “tribulation” is derived from the verb “to press”, describing the crushing of grapes and olives, suggesting heavy pressures of outward trouble or inward anguish. Tribulation produces patient endurance – the ability to keep the faith and not fall apart. This brave endurance produces experience or more accurately “character”. Character is built in suffering (Murray).

Therefore, when we are going through trial and tribulation, that should draw us closer to Jesus. Our love for Him must increase as we experience His unfailing love for us. Christians facing trials are exhorted to rejoice in the midst of suffering for it is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom (Acts 4:22). How to have joy when all seem hopeless and bleak?

In times of trials, the Christian’s hope is alive. Jesus rose from the dead to give us a heavenly inheritance. This inheritance is ours when we put our faith in Jesus. This is the lively hope of the Christian. This is the basis of the Christian’s joy.

This heavenly inheritance is first, incorruptible – everything in this world decay and will not last, however, this inheritance will be forever. Secondly, the inheritance is undefiled for it cannot be polluted, it is pure and without the defilement of sin. Thirdly, it fades not away – time cannot ravish it unlike the flower that blooms and starts to wither thereafter (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Trial and tribulation threaten to take away our joy. During the period of trial, we “will be grieved” with many temptations, for circumstances and people will act upon us to cause grieve to our hearts. But it is temporary, it will come to an end, it will not last indefinitely.

 We are to rejoice by resting in the omnipotence of God. His infinite ability will deliver us from any trouble and bring us to our final destination when Christ returns to take the church to glory. Amen.