The tribulations of life can be overwhelming. Yet God’s resources will overwhelm any challenge we face. There were times during my Stage IV cancer battle when I was in a major tantrum about having cancer, making the struggle even harder. Once I tapped into God’s process of freedom, wow, did my ability to fight improve! Tribulation can be a doorway, not a detour.
I learned and am learning from the Apostle Paul, who discovered a process for finding joy and a powerful “tool” the Lord imparts during hard times. See if you can identify the process and the tool in Romans 5:3-5:
“And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
It’s important to note Paul stated the outcome first, “We also celebrate in our tribulations.” Who doesn’t want to be able to celebrate in their tribulations?! But perseverance must come first, then proven character, then hope – and finally comes the full experience of our hearts filled with God’s love by the Holy Spirit. Then we celebrate!
Now God’s love has been poured out on us if we are what Jesus called “born again” (John 3:3). More here. Yet, we experience the fullness of His love by hanging on to Him (perseverance) and then surrendering to Him (proven character). These set us free from earthly worries, fears, and pursuits. Then hope rises when we realize He offers something better than a tribulation-free life – the waterfall of His love in our hearts!
Tribulation is a doorway, not a detour
Someone might respond, “I don’t think we need to go through hard things to experience God’s love.” Yet when Paul returned to encourage folks in the churches he started, he taught, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22)! Tribulation is a doorway, not a detour.
So don’t give up, resist, or demand immediate results by the removal of tribulations. Grasp His big picture. Hang on to Him as He hangs on to you. You will find what David learned in Psalm 63:3 about celebrating his tribulations: “Your lovingkindness is better than life. My lips shall praise You.” Let the detour become a doorway.
