“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…” (Rom. 12:12).
In Q&A 27 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we read the following words: “What do you understand by the providence of God? The almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creatures, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.”
This Biblical teaching gives us a God-centered and God-glorifying perspective on life. It teaches us that the world is not out of control or operating by fate, luck, or chance, but that God is directing and controlling every event in this world … the good events as well as the evil. Ecclesiastes 7:13-14: “Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other…” The word translated “adversity” is the Hebrew word “Rah”, which can also be translated: bad, evil, affliction, calamity or distress. However, God doesn’t do evil and to suggest such is evil and blasphemous, but God certainly ordains evil for His glory and eternal purpose, and He is also absolutely sovereign over the evil acts of Satan, demons, and men.
Therefore, whatever we see happening in this world we have to say, “This is the work of the Lord.” As it is written, “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both good and ill go forth?” (Lamentations 3:37-38). This is a truth we must understand, believe and apply every day. And according to our text, it’s only when we are patient in adversity that we can truly say we have understood and applied this truth in our life. It’s easy to say, “I believe in the providence of God,” but it’s quite another to live patiently when you’re experiencing adversity. And so our text admonishes believers to “be patient in tribulation.” The word translated “tribulation” means “pressure” and it refers to anguish, persecution, tribulation, affliction or trouble. In other words, tribulation is a pressure which comes against us. It’s like being under the weight of a heavy object … that’s why tribulation is so painful.
There are many forms of tribulation, but the ones we think about most often are sickness, disease, cancer and death because these things threaten our lives and the lives of our loved ones, and they exert great pressure upon us which brings us much pain! But there are many other types of tribulation: family problems, marriage problems, money problems, difficulties at school or at church or with a neighbor, and these troubles put lots of pressure upon us also … and none of us is free from trouble. Job 14:1: “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” Life is filled with tribulation. Job 5:7: “… man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” Just as sparks fly up from a bonfire so every man will have troubles in this fallen world … one right after another! Nevertheless, every believer is called to “be patient in tribulation.”
How are you doing with patience in the midst of your trials? Do you become anxious and angry at God, or do you rest assured that you’re in God’s hand and He is bringing you through this difficulty for His glory and your own good? Do you proclaim in the midst of your trials that “Our God Reigns”? Look to Jesus when you encounter the pressures of life for it is written, “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:2-3).
Take some time today to meditate upon our text and pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you in order to endure tribulation with patience for God’s glory!