Response!

Response!

Romans 5:3-4 KJV

[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] and patience, experience; and experience, hope:

As we saw in our reflection of a few days ago, the season we are in calls for something that this world cannot give you. You have to see with the eye of faith if you will rejoice in the face of trials and tribulations. The verse above also has the same theme, and it seems to me that God would prepare us for all that is ahead. He does not want me to be unprepared for all that this race calls for; ahead of the seasons that may come, God wants to know if I am on His side. The verse above speaks to specific people who are justified by faith, and have come into peace with God through Jesus Christ. These are people who have access into unprecedented grace, and can rejoice in hope of the manifestation of the glory of God. Does the above describe me in any way? Is there anything at all in me that looks anything like what has been described here? 

Pause and reflect: have I been justified by faith? Have I come into the new life that Jesus was made manifest to give to whoever will accept Him as Lord and Saviour? Do I have this hope that no matter what today holds, there is a tomorrow that is greater and better than anything I have ever seen. Pause and reflect: what could make a man rejoice in the face of trials and tribulations? There has to be something the man sees or knows that is not visible to others. The part that always makes me wonder at the mighty works of God is joy in the face of tough times. It is hard, but you rejoice because you know it is for a short while. You cry sometimes, but at all times, there is a presence that assures you that all is well. It is clear that we are not speaking of anything that this world produces but something only an eternal God can initiate and sustain. 

That is why I can rejoice in the face of trials and tribulations. I can laugh at the storm because Jesus is my boat. I can rejoice in tribulations because, as the verse above makes clear, there is a working of patience that God knows I need for whatever it is He will bring my way. If I ask God to teach me patience, how else would He do this if I do not learn from tough times? As I go through these experiences, no matter how unpleasant, I am stretched. The things that I did not know I could do become easier. The things I used to struggle with become easier. The pain and discomfort that sometimes accompany life's pursuits become bearable, because God is in and with me. The end really justifies the means. Because He lives, I have all I need for life and Godliness. At the end, I reign with Him. This hope keeps me sane and focused. What about you? Do you know this God, or better still, does this God know you as His own? God's time of favour is here.