Issue 20 - Day 2

Romans 5

Romans 5:3-5
3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do things always go wrong for me? Is it not possible for us to get through an entire month without something breaking! These are all questions we ask ourselves, and all too often. For non-believers it is even more confusing as they mistake the occurrence of disasters, both natural and human, for evidence of a lack of a caring God. We on the other hand know that there most definitely is a caring God, however he has given over depraved man to the consequences of sin. And it matters little if we ourselves did nothing, for the sins of the previous generations still have consequences for us.

However, personal difficulties are not just random for the believer. The source of tribulation for us is the devil, and God allows it to happen to the limits of what we are able to handle. He has promised we will never be tested beyond our limits, and he knows them far better than we do. the question is, how will you react to these trials? In light of Romans, we know that God not only allows these things to happen, but is actively using them to help us grow. We all need more patience, experience and hope. And hope leads to love of God, and then to witness.

Next time you face trials in your life how will you react? Will you grow in patience? Will you learn from the experience? Will your hope in Christ increase as a result? I hope so. This is why we are given the Holy Spirit in us.