How Can I Rejoice in Tribulation?
How can I rejoice in tribulation? It seems that tribulations would steal any possible joy for those undergoing them. Paul recorded these words, “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). It takes a different perspective to be able to receive this word.
The Reality of Tribulation
Jesus explained to His disciples that tribulation would certainly come. However, He offered them something more, Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). There is assurance in the fact that Jesus told His disciples that the things which He spoke were given so that they might have peace. Why do we avoid the peace that is offered in the Word of God? We want something else to find peace. We tend to believe that a world full of people at war with themselves and each other has the best suggestions for peace. Is Jesus' solution too simple? Jesus explained, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Most of the answers to life’s problems are relatively simple. We must be willing to receive the answers while learning how to handle tribulation with rejoicing.
The Power of God
The power to rejoice in tribulation is based on the peace that comes from the Word of the Master. It is not that tribulation is improbable in this life, Jesus told His disciples in the world they would have it. We are greatly mistaken if we believe anything is different for the New Testament Christian in the 21st century. Tribulation is the necessary result of walking in submission to the Messiah. Which is centered around the cheer of knowing that He has overcome the world. This message was given to and by the Disciples in the first century and we can have the same assurance today.
“And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.”
(Acts 14:21-22)
Tribulations are present in this world., but God provides the ability to rejoice in them. We need only to turn to him and allow the tribulations of this world to not overwhelm us, but to work the good results that can come from them.
Tribulation Worketh Steadfastness
To be steadfast is to remember our loyalty despite all that a world of tribulation throws at us. In the Koine Greek language, the word in Romans 5:3 is from hypomone (ὑπομονή), a compound word meaning to remain under. We often look at this word and think of the word endurance or perseverance. Tribulation has a way of separating the faithful from the unfaithful. Tribulation can either separate the weak from the strong or if allowed to have its full work, can make the weak strong. This is the good that can come from even tribulation, it helps each Christian to grow in steadfastness.
When we are added to the church (cf. Acts 2:47), we commit to walk faithfully at all times. When this commitment is at the forefront of our minds at times of relative peace, then tribulation is manageable. Why? Because we have committed to remain under Christ. We are to be in the same posture regardless of the situation. Tribulation allows and leads us to show our steadfastness to the glory of God.
Steadfastness Brings Approval
The result of steadfastness in tribulation is evidentiary. The Spirit said it produces approval. The Koine Greek word here is dokimēn (δοκιμήν), which means something that has been tried or tested. We might liken this to the process of testing the authenticity of precious metals. There are various methods to determine the authenticity of gold. However, the very best way to find if gold is pure is the process known as cupellation, where the gold is melted down and all the impurities are removed from the gold and what you are left with is something pure and proven. Tribulation tests our ability to remain steadfast, and what occurs is that we have been proven, and that marks us as approved. Jesus said in Revelation 2:10 that our faithfulness would require obedience even to the point where we give up our lives for the sake of the kingdom. This is surely the greatest test of tribulation in this world, but the result is certain that we are tested, tried, and approved through faithfulness.
Another example we might think of is Abraham, the father of the faithful. He was told to take the son of promise Isaac to Mount Moriah. It was on that mount that Abraham’s faith was tested greatly.
“By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back.
(Hebrews 11:17-19)
Abraham was tried, and by faith, he was in the process of offering his only begotten son (cf. Gen. 22:1). As Abraham raised his hand and stretched forth the knife to offer Isaac, the angel of Jehovah stopped him and said,
“And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.
(Gen 22:12)
God knew then that through this testing Abraham was proved faithful. The Hebrew writer tells us why.
Our Approval Gives Us Hope
Hebrews 11:19 tells us the basis of Abraham’s actions. He had faith, he had hope in God. Abraham believed. “Accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead, from whence he did also in a figure receive back.” Abraham believed that God himself would provide the lamb for a burnt offering (cf. Gen. 1:8). When we are walking in the light and know that God’s approval is on us, we have no fear of what tribulation brings us. The Holy Spirit teaches us that tribulation must occur to build steadfastness to maturity proving the child of God who finds their perpetual hope in the God who provides (Jehovah-jireh).
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
