06/25/2022
People face many trials in their lives, and as Christians we are not exempt from them. It is common for new Christians to think that because we experience a deep seated hope in salvation that this implies that our hardships in life will vanish, but to the surprise of many we find that they do not, and are a necessary part of a robust faith. Suffering through trials increases the endurance of our faith, which in turn strengthens our character, and this leads us to an amazing hope, and at last, a confidence in our salvation through Jesus Christ. When we suffer, and we do so in Jesus, something amazing happens… our faith, and walk with Him becomes stronger, and sweeter. The confidence, and hope, we have of salvation wells up in us, and God’s will for us in Christ, extends beyond our earlier hope into reality.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
Romans 5:3-4 NLT
Many years ago I was a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. If you choose to attend this college your life is challenged in every way. You face extreme physical, mental, scholastic, and yes, spiritual hardships that will test you to your limits, and this is designed to reform you into a citizen soldier, but it will also prepare you for all the coming hardships of life.
During your first year at VMI you are not called a cadet, but are referred to as a rat, and subjected to extreme duress, but something amazing happens during this time of joint suffering with your classmates, you form a tight bond with them that follows you the rest of your life. It is almost inexplicable how suffering and hardship, can become a glue that binds people together in a deep and unshakable way like few other experiences can… but it is the same in faith as our trials, and subsequent dependence on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, lead us through the formation of spiritual endurance, a development of righteous character, and beyond hope, into a firm belief in our salvation.
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”
Romans 5:5-6 NLT
Don’t get the wrong idea regarding tribulation, it isn’t any certain trial that leads us to a hope in our salvation, it is by leaning on God that we are directed in the way we should go…
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
And, it is sharing our suffering, and burdens with Jesus that binds us forever to Him…
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
For the most part, what we face in life will differ from person to person. But, for men and women of faith, each challenge will be faced with Jesus as our intercessor. Together with Him we will walk from the initial hardship to the ultimate confidence in Him that reforms our hope in salvation into an absolute confidence in it, and God.
So it is, that we are told to rejoice in the trials we face. Every one increasing our endurance, and presenting us with a character lesson that will ultimately transport us through hope and faith into the reality of salvation. Every trial we face benefits us, and reveals the glory to God.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV
Are we in the midst of some hardship today? Are we suffering, and asking Jesus to intercede for us? Are we confident that God will pour His love over us through His Holy Spirit? Is our vision of salvation made all the more clear as we wipe the tears from our eyes? Joint suffering, and more specifically, a joint suffering with Jesus… it gives us confidence in our salvation. Let’s rejoice!
“Therefore let those who suffer according to a God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
1 Peter 4:19 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the confidence we have in you, and for your promise of salvation that is strengthened in us with every trial we face, and answer you provide us to our needs and troubles. Help us to remain hopeful in Jesus during the everyday struggles we face, and open our eyes Lord to the way ahead that leads from hope to the reality of your Son’s second coming. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who takes our trials and works them together for our good. Praised be your name as we walk through the valleys with Jesus, and witness your glory in our every step. Father, our confidence remains in you like the unwavering confidence of the sheep is in the shepherd. We know not what lies ahead, but trust in your guidance to find us greener pastures, and clear water. Merciful are you who delivers us, and who reveals to us your eternal glory. Wash us clean of our sins with the blood of Christ; the fruit of His suffering. Pour out your love upon us through your Spirit, and your grace through Jesus. Find us worthy on the day of judgement, and seat us at your table forevermore. We worship you Father, and praise you in every Storm.
“and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Romans 5:5-6 ESV
Rich Forbes