And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
You probably didn’t hope for the biggest January snowstorm in seven years, as you were making your New Year’s Resolutions!
You probably didn’t factor in ‘tribulations’ as you were thinking about your hopes for 2025.
Perhaps, it’s important to look back at 2024, or another year, to see how God used the difficulties in your life to develop your patience and perseverance, and to build your character, so the hope you received was an indication that God was working in your life to guide you according to His will, rather than according to your desires.
James tell us something similar, Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
God uses trials to get our attention, so we realize we can’t do everything in our own strength. We have to learn to wait on Him, instead of expecting immediate gratification. Our character is built as we learn patience, as we acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, and allow Him to direct our paths.
The Apostle Paul wrote the verses in Romans and he shared with the Philippians about his quest for hope, being willing to give up what he thought he had, when he was living in the flesh:
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11
Paul was willing to face the tribulations of preaching Christ, trusting God to take him through those trials, and to gain the character that was necessary to stand up to those who spoke falsehoods and who were brutal toward him. He did those things because of the hope of knowing God, through Jesus Christ, and knowing that he would spend eternity in heaven with them.
Our life on earth is not about the desire for worldly treasures, or even for relationships with those around us, but about the blessed hope that we have in Jesus Christ!
looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, Titus 2:13
Think and Pray: How can you embrace the trials in your life as opportunities for God to shape your character and deepen your hope in Him? Lord, thank You for using even the difficulties in my life to build perseverance and hope; help me to trust in Your purpose and grow in faith as I walk through trials with You, Amen!
Eldon Kibbey has served as the Director of CBMC Indiana since 1998. His earlier career included a tour of duty with the US Air Force, a brief career in the aerospace industry with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and then 26 years at the helm of a national janitorial service. Eldon and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of four children, and have three grandsons.
