Hope in the Midst of Trial

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Rom. 5.3 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.”

We all have hard days and some are worse than others. If we walked through life and everything was rosy red, we would not learn anything about God. As Job has said, “Shall we only accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10).” Suffering gives us a need. As soon as things go wrong, the first thing we do is look for God. That produces a need for Him and for His life, it teaches us to rely on Christ, it teaches us about ourselves, that we’re not as strong as we think we are.

Paul in Philippians 4.11-12 says “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” He said “I’ve learned”, I’m really glad he said this. It’s a process we go through, learning to trust Christ in all the things we go through. In the past we’ve had a dealing and God has been there with us and we rely upon that again. As I have always told myself: “You were with me last time, I know You are with me this time. I didn’t understand what was going on but You did”.

Just like me and just like most of us, Paul didn’t have it all right, but he said I’ve learned these things and I’m really glad he did.