Bitter…or better?

Scripture:
Romans 5:3-4 — “. . .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.”

Observation:
This is such a small passage stuck in the middle of a chapter about the grace and redemption of God, yet I feel ready to write on it. I truly believe that my relationship with Christ is made deeper in a more real way by how I have to walk with Him, rather than just know about Him. The everyday struggles of life coupled with the huge valleys we have to walk through allow us to have to walk with Him: The death of my mother one year ago this week, the challenges of raising a family, the commitment to nurturing a marriage, the trials of the work place, struggles with personalities and people, financial pressures and just wrestling with my own self in life, all add up to the fact that “it’s not always easy doing this thing called life.” And I am not having to go through the various imprisonments and persecutions that Paul had to withstand when he wrote this.

Application:
Going through trials and tribulations can make me bitter… or they can make me better. Heaven feels a little bit closer and real to me now that my mother is there; I know of the sheltering protection of Christ because I have had to find shelter in Him while being pursued by a hurtful church member (pre-Pinelake!); I have experienced His gift of direction and wisdom to me when faced with raising my kids when I didn’t know what to do; I have learned that He will supply all my needs, not just because it is written in the Bible, but because I’ve actually had to trust in the lean times for His supply; and I have known His peace that I can’t explain in times of great hurt, struggle and confusion.

Romans 10:11 states, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed,” and I can say that this is true for my life. Because I have experienced the love of Christ during the challenging times of life, I know His love more and have a hope that is unwavering—built on experience and not just written words.

Prayer:
Lord, don’t let me miss out on anything You want to teach me during the trials and pressures of life. I’ve walked with you long enough to know that You will supply everything I need to persevere through the hard times, and to come out on the other side with a stronger character and a real hope.

— Jeff Askew, worship pastor, director of choirs