“We glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope.” (NC Romans 1:22, KJV Romans 5:3–4)
How can someone truthfully say, “I glory in tribulation”? If they do say it truthfully, what might they mean by it? How can tribulation be something to glory in?
Suppose that there exists a person who values, above all else, his own personal character development. What must happen for the person to acquire the character that he so desperately seeks? How else can true character be acquired but through “tribulation”?
The real goal or objective of such a person cannot be achieved without having some form of tribulation along the way. Experiencing tribulation is a necessary and essential experience to developing what the person values most.
Consider the kind of character that Jesus describes in his sermon. A person cannot be poor in spirit, if he always has whatever he needs or wants.
A person will never mourn if he does not experience some severe disappointment.
What value is there in being meek, if there are no serious flaws or faults in others to have to deal with?
How can someone hunger or thirst after anything if every desire is immediately satisfied?
What need is there of mercy, if everyone always does exactly what they are expected to?
How can a heart be proven to be pure if it never faces any serious alternatives to test the depth of his desires?
How can someone be a maker of peace if there is never any serious disturbance or disruption to have to deal with?
Tribulation can be used to develop any or perhaps even all of the characteristics that Jesus speaks of being blessed in his sermon. It can be seen that in order to become what Jesus is describing, it is necessary to experience tribulation. A disciple who truly values having the character Jesus describes in his sermon can find a way to appreciate or even ”glory” in tribulation.
Further, the greatness of God is not demonstrated in being isolated from serious opposition but by the ability to respond appropriately to every obstacle that can be thrown up, as Jesus demonstrates throughout his life and ministry.
On the other hand, if a person values a particular outcome or other outward achievement, then “tribulation” is merely an undesirable obstacle that is getting in the way of the real goal.
If I can truly come to value my own character development far above other personal goals, might I then be more like Paul and come to glory in tribulation?