The Right End of Tribulations

The New King James Version presents Romans Chapter 5: 3-5 in this fashion: “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.”

We are told that tribulations produce “perseverance”. Now the verb “persevere” means to continue in a course of action in spite of difficulty or lack of success. It comes from the Latin “perseverare” which means to “abide by strictly”. So, tribulation should produce within us the ability to “stay the course” in the midst of apparent lack of success, or even severe opposition.

If you’re about to “give up”, if you’ve reached the point where you just want to shuck it all and head to the great unknown, remember this verse. Perseverance builds “Character” within us. The character of a Believer is not based upon the empty promises of failed life structures. It is built upon the Love of God which has been poured out in our hearts by His Holy Spirit.

The genuine Believer has a “hope” which is really more than wishful thinking, it is hope based upon the veracity of God’s Word.. It is hope rooted and grounded in the unfailing promises of God, who loves you more than you can ever imagine.

The character which develops from the believer’s perseverance reflects the genuine hope which we have in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to His People. That is what the world doesn’t understand. The world understands frustration, anger, fear, and discouragement. What the world doesn’t understand is how genuine Believers can have such a positive outlook on life when everything seems to be against them. That is often the cause of questions which allow Believers opportunity to share their faith with the world—The Right End of Tribulations.