What's Troubling You?

What’s Troubling You?

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, 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

During the study of Romans chapter 5:1-11, we learn that tribulations (taken from the Latin word tribulum (a heavy piece of wood with spikes in it used to thresh grain) are instruments that God allows to purify our lives and make us more like Christ.

Tribulations can come through a variety of ways: other people causing us pain or problems, various circumstances- e.g. finances, health- or through Satan.

The process for Christians going through tribulations given in Romans 5:3-4 is:

Ø  Trouble or trial presents itself  in various forms. Our life is pressed like olives and grapes and threshed like wheat to remove the chaff.

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

 1 John 3:3

Ø  This trouble brings about endurance and enables us to endure our suffering in a God glorying way.  

Ø  God tests us to determine what we’re made of- will we cave into the pressure or will we come out like pure gold. Our character is tested and either we, like Abraham who was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, will pass the test and be approved by God or we’’ll need to go back for remedial training.

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”

Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2

But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:11,12

What might be some of the purposes for your suffering?

-       Die to Self – Matthew 16:24

-       Humility – 1 Peter 5:6

-       Gentleness, Compassion and Caring for others

-       Release the things of this world back to God

-       Establish right priorities in your life

-       Trust God – Proverbs 3:5,6

-       Obey God – Deut. 27:10

-       Boldness – Acts 4:29

-       Rely upon God’s grace

-       Walk by faith and not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7

-       Bring us into a closer relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ  

Ø  Our hope in Christ causes us to be completely confident that our righteousness by faith will not disappoint.

Dear Christian, as you go through tribulations and sufferings and your life is pressed, rely upon God’s grace to allow your trials accomplish their purposes.

Join us for  Women’s Connection every Thursday, 9-11am in Berwyn Baptist’s Library.