The Result of Tribulation

And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4 CSB)

With this week’s devotion, we will continue talking about tribulation. Jesus told us there will be tribulation in this world. (see John 16:33) It isn’t a matter of what we do IF tribulation comes, but WHEN tribulation comes.

Since Jesus assures us of tribulation happening, the difference is in what we do when experiencing tribulation. We know God isn’t the cause of tribulations, tests, or trials. (see James 1:13) This doesn’t mean that tribulation can’t become beneficial for us.

If tribulation is going to happen in our lives, what is the result of tribulation? If we are to have tribulations during our lifetime on earth, doesn’t it make sense that God would train us on how to deal with tribulation?

The result of tribulation is that it produces endurance or patience. This is an important quality for Christians to develop. The Greek word used for endurance differs from the one used in Galatians 5:22 for patience when Paul lists the fruit of the spirit.

The Greek word used here is “hupomonee” which means:

        1. steadfastness, constancy, endurance
        2. a patient, steadfast waiting for
        3. a patient enduring, sustaining
(from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

So, what does this endurance mean for us as Christians? We find the answer to this question in Why we have tribulation, tests, and trials. James 1:3 tells us we have tribulations because our faith is being tested. “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (CSB)

Tribulations come because satan is testing our faith. We must patiently endure tribulation to get the promises of God. How do we patiently endure while going through tribulation?