Rejoicing in Tribulation

Tribulation

(Romans 5:3-4)

The path of following Christ also brings difficulties we never faced before. Therefore, we must not judge God’s guidance solely by our present circumstances. God uses even tribulation to strengthen us and ultimately bring us into eternal glory.

1. Tribulation on the Path to Glory
The tribulation spoken of in Scripture refers to the pressure and persecution we face from the world because we belong to Christ and remain faithful to Him. If the world hated Christ, those who follow Him may also suffer. Such tribulation is not evidence that something is wrong with our faith. Rather, it can be evidence that we are living as those who belong to Christ. Our present suffering cannot be compared with the glory we will receive, and it even contributes to that future glory. This is why believers can rejoice even in tribulation.

2. Perseverance and Proven Character
As we endure tribulation by faith, we are transformed. Perseverance is the strength to stand firm in what we believe and continue on the path entrusted to us, even when we face great obstacles. And this perseverance produces proven character. Just as gold is tested by fire to determine its purity, our faith is proven genuine and our character matures as we go through trials. This is the path of sanctification, through which the Holy Spirit makes us holy and God preserves us blameless by His power.

3. A Stronger Hope
After we have been refined, our original hope of glory grows greater and stronger. This is because, while we are struggling to hold on to God and persevere, we come to experience that it is actually God who is holding us firmly. As a result, the glory we will receive is no longer a vague desire but an assured reality that becomes ever clearer to us. Let us not fear tribulation, but follow the Lord to the end. May we persevere, be refined, and stand before the Lord with an even greater hope.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim