Bible Reading: Psalm 73-74; Romans 5.
Memory Verse: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” Romans 5:3 (KJV).
Tribulation simply means a cause of great trouble or suffering. Generally, people pass through one tribulation or another and God did not promise you that you will not have tribulations. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour suffered great pains on the cross without any offence and He enjoined us to endure same.
Apostle Paul, the one who wrote the book of Romans went through a lot of tribulations. In Acts 14:19 (KJV), “And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.” But by the grace of the Lord, the disciples surrounded him and he rose up and went back to the city where he was stoned. The following day, he preached the same gospel for which he was stoned! It’s the same Apostle Paul that wrote that we should glory in tribulations because it breeds patience in us. Romans 5:3 (KJV), “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” Such tribulations will also bring you an experience which, when combined with patience, will give you hope of a greater tomorrow. Patience will not only make you a better Christian but will also make you feel joy having been able to pass through such sufferings or pains in the name of our Lord and Saviour.
What are you going through now as a result of your faith? Just remember it’s an experience that will make you a better child of God. Besides, your Lord and Saviour had gone through worse tribulations and he prayed for his persecutors. Or are you having several challenges at the same time and you are wondering where is your God? Well He never promised you that you will not go through challenges. Isaiah 43:2 (KJV) says, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” So focus on God recognizing that He is with you even in the problem and you will overcome that challenge over time. It is to teach you perseverance and also experience which will help you cope with the challenges of this world and also place you in a position to share your experience with someone else to strengthen him in the faith!
Prayer point: Father, help me to persevere through my current challenges and let the learning point in this situation not pass me by, in Jesus Christ’s name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero