Gen. Jim – POW 86322 — 12/9/19
Tribulations! A frightening word! We dread persecutions & tribulations… until we realize their true importance. But some never get to the understanding; they are too busy running away from them. Grant it, some Tribulations / Persecutions will knock the breath out of us. Do you have the time for me to tell you about mine??
Tribulations / Persecutions or Persecutions / Tribulations = SUFFERING. Period! As we grow in grace and faith our Tribulations / Persecutions grow also.
-Romans 5:3a-
“And not only that (referring to vv.1,2), but we also glory in tribulations, KNOWING that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
I know there are times in our Christian walk that we wish, we pray!, that we can just be left alone and sail along on still waters; a rough sea seems a bit harsh and cruel.
This reminds me of when Saul (now Paul) was arrested and finally was set to sail to Rome for trial (Acts 27). After many attempts at sea, because of bad weather, they finally made it to a harbor of Crete, “when the south wind blew SOFTLY, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete” -Acts 27:12,13.
Nice sailing – soft wind, calm sea, not bad for a cruise.
This is how we want our life to go. “BUT not long after, a TEMPESTUOUS head wind arose, called Euroclydon” -Acts 27:14. Well, we know the rest of the story – HELL on the sea!!! This is how some of our trials and tribulations will end. Paul’s whole “sea” experience was because of his faith in Jesus the Christ.
When disasters strike, we may run and hide or face the HELL-ON-EARTH that God sent our way – to prove our faith and produce accepted character.
Not all of us will end like Paul – a martyr for Christ. But, as the Bible does say, all those who live godly WILL suffer persecution! Peter says “…if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed” -1 Pet. 2:14. Peter goes on to say, “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind…” -1 Pet. 4:1
Ok, Tribulations, /Persecutions/ are all part of character building. There is no way to become a strong Christian unless we go thru the FIRE! As the ESV says, “Suffering produces endurance.”