Romans
5:3-4 : “We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials,
for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to
endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character
strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.”
Hardship
isn’t something to smile at. But God wants me to rejoice when I encounter them
because they are good for me. And because He knows all things, why not? I must
begin to smile at my trials because of the bigger picture of God’s master plan
for my life.
“…they
are good for us – they help us learn…” (vs 3) I would like to see trials and
problems as a school, a place of learning. And connecting to the previous
point, just like a student rejoices at the start of a new school year, I should
also rejoice at my trials because I am resuming a new school year at the school
of trails! Unbelievable and absurd, I know. But problems and trails are a place
of learning for a child of God. In this school I will learn endurance under
harsh circumstances which will develop strength of character in me and when my
character is in good condition, I am able to really face life as it comes, the
Jesus way.
This
character as it is developed, strengthens my expectation (faith) of my
salvation. Yes, I will face trials but, “this too shall pass.” There comes a
day of salvation, but I must have faith and be expectant of this encounter. This
is why my character needs to be strengthened so that I can have more faith that
I will be saved from my present trial. And the following verse states that “And
this expectation will not disappoint us” (vs 5).
Gold
goes through fire to be refined, but does it remain in the fire forever? NO!
After it has been purified to the goldsmith’s taste, it is removed from the
fire and fashioned into the desired pattern or shape.
I
must rejoice in my trials, attend class and have faith that my day of salvation
will come!
#selah
“Dear
Lord,
Thank
you for the trials I am currently facing. Help me to rejoice even as I pass
through them. May I learn every single lesson that you want me to learn, and
may your character be formed in me even as I wait and look forward to my day of
salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Hope
this blessed you.
In
Christ,
Ishanpepe.
