-September 23, 2020-
Good morning, happy Wednesday,
-Glory In Our Tribulations: No Pain, No Gain-
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
(Romans 5:3-4).
There is apt expression that has to do with exercising that has been used for other endeavors in life as well, “No pain, no gain.” In order words, to get the most out of whatever we do, it requires enduring difficulties. Tribulations and trials, which are synonymous, are often painful to one degree or another. Paul wrote, “…but we also glory in tribulations…”
We don’t glory in the pain but in the gain. Tribulations are for our good. James 1:2-3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you maybe perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Paul and James both use the words “knowing” and “produces.” Both are saying the same thing: no pain, no gain. It is the results trials bring that count. Trials test and grow our faith, help us depend on the Lord, and enable us to empathize and sympathize with others.
Some bibles have titles before each section of Scripture, often in bold print, and though these titles are not part of the inspired text, they are a great blessing. In Romans 5:1-5, the title is “Faith Triumphs in Trouble.” In James 1:2-8, the title is, “Profiting from Trials.” Here in our text, Paul shows what trials produce in our lives and how we profit from them.
• Tribulation produces perseverance – The pain of tribulation brings the gain of perseverance. To persevere is to keep going no matter the impediment, the opposition, the difficulty, the hardship, or the pain. That perseverance leads to increased endurance; it builds our spiritual muscles.
• Perseverance produces character – Character is who we are, not just what we do and say. Character is thus the hardest thing to change. God desires permanent change in our inner man. This relates to what we call in exercise terminology “muscle memory.” Just like those who stop working out lose their muscle tone, the same thing can happen to us spiritually if we don’t spend time daily in prayer and the Word.
• Character produces hope – When God grows us, changes us, and makes us more and more like His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, we look beyond the pain of this world to our gain in heaven. It gives hope to keep pressing on, for the finish line is just ahead. Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
Thus we should count our trials as friends, not foes; as blessings not burdens; and gain not pain. God knows how to get results in our lives. Therefore, we go through storms, experience thorns in the flesh, and bear burdens in carrying our crosses. Tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. None of us would be who were are without the trials we have experienced.
Have a blessed day counting it all joy when you experience trials for they bringing great benefits for both now and all eternity. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 