Walking With Jesus (Perseverance)預覽

Suffering every day 

“And not only that but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3)

The word "suffering" in the above verse comes from the word "tribulation". We may rarely use this word, but we experience it every day. Suffering or tribulation in this verse means “trouble, distress, stress, pain, suffering.”

Now that you know what it means, you might say, "Then I'm an expert!" Yes, we may feel that we are the experts because we experience it every day. Therefore, you will be interested in the origin of the word.

In ancient times, wheat became an important commodity for the Romans. When harvesting wheat, they use a tool similar to a giant grater made of wood with sharp stones and iron as its eyes. This grate was driven by farmers and pulled by oxen. This giant grater was called the tribulum, and that is where the word "tribulation" comes. Because people use tribulum to separate the wheat and the hay, the word tribulation aptly describes how much trouble would thresh and press us.

Farmers use the tribulum not to crush the wheat but to sort it. God also uses problems not to destroy us, but to make us strong, because “tribulation produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3). Apostle Paul wrote that the Lord “comforts us in all our affliction.” “Consolation” and “suffering” go hand in hand. We need a comforter in times of adversity. We are so blessed to have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Comfort, that will strengthen and sustain us (John 14:26).

Reflection:

1. Are we in trouble? What afflictions do we experience that suppress us so much?

2. How do your tribulations build your endurance?

Application: 

Look at every problem, difficulty, distress, stress, pain, and suffering from a spiritual point of view and see the results!