"Attitude"

Rejoice In Trouble

by: Oran Rhodes

We read in Romans 5:3-4, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope." One of the striking qualities of these verses is the fact that Christians are shown to rejoice in their troubles and trials. How often do we grumble and complain about the way life has dealt with us? How close do we come to complaining against God?

All men have tribulations. Christians, by persecutions, sometimes have more, but Christians should have a different view of their problems than the ungodly. James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3). There is benefit in suffering and difficulties. Even if it is persecution, the Christian should view his troubles as something to strengthen his faith, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice; though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith being much more precious than that of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:6-7).

As Peter states value in trial in the above passage, so Paul does in Romans 5:3-4, where he points out that tribulations bring about patience, or stedfastness. Under pressure one will either remain stedfast or else fall away. When one remains stedfast, the KJV says this brings about experience, which can properly be defined or translated as approval. Approval of one's life and conduct comes only through standing fast with Christ, obeying His will. Such approval gives one, then, a reasonable basis for the hope of the promises of God for him.

Should we not then cease our grumbling and complaining about our problems? Each of us should seek to obey Christ completely as revealed in the New Testament, live according to His example, and and realize that the trials of this life are but a refining of our souls in preparation for eternity. Let us all make the best of everything.