Tribulation works patience

 BY Argie Simonis

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience" Rom. 5:3

There is a misconception about this verse. Many believe that God is the one who brings sorrow into our lives in order to teach us patience.

Tribulations exist, not because God causes them, but because of the open war that exists between the kingdom of God and the devil. Likewise, tribulations and adversities are not blessings from God, but attacks from the enemy in order to steal the Word of God from our lives.

In the parable of the sower in Mark 4:16, we see that the seed falls on the stony ground and

"they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution rises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." Mark 4:16-17

Temptations never come from God,

"for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man" James 1:13

That is why Paul tells us to glory in tribulations, because when we emerge victorious in this, we will enjoy the spoils of battle which is the patience and hope that get stronger within us.

If problems were what perfected us, then most Christians would have been perfected a long time ago and those who experience the greatest problems would be the greatest Christians, but that of course is not the case. God's education is based on His Word, not on tribulations. The Word of God has been given to make us perfect and fully equipped for every good work:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works." 2Τιμ. 3:16-17

The Word of God does not need problems and tribulations as a "nutritional supplement" to do its job.

This is very important! Misinterpreting this truth carries great dangers. Those who believe that God has ordained the problems in their lives to function as a "redemptive virtue" will submit to these problems and therefore to satan, the creator of these problems. James writes in his letter:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

James 4:7

If Satan can deceive you, turn this around and make you submit to the problems he brings into your life, he has you:

"Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?"

Rom. 6:16

Paul simply rejoiced that, even in tribulations, he had the opportunity to use, and therefore strengthen, the patience that had already been given to him as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23) and through the Word of God ( Romans 15: 4). And he believed that by being patient, he would gain experience that would give him even more hope the next time the devil attacked.

Likewise, we can rejoice in tribulations, knowing that no matter what the devil does, we will win and reap the spoils of victory!