Glory in Tribulations

Romans 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Romans 5:4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Romans 5:5  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.

What an incredibly rich passage of Scripture!  Verse 1 reveals that peace with God comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  The clear teaching of Scripture is that before we are saved, we are at enmity with God.  We are literally an enemy of God.  When we believe on Christ by faith, God declares that we are justified in His sight.  Not only does Christ give us peace with God, but Christ gives us access by faith to God the Father.  All of this is wonderful, but there is even better news in verses 3-5.  We see a seeming paradox mentioned in verse 3.  Paul reveals that as Christians, we can can glory in tribulation, understanding that God the Father is accomplishing something in our life.  The concept of being able to glory in tribulation seems crazy to those apart from Christ.  We can rest confidently in tribulation with the understanding that God is accomplishing His perfect work in our life.  He is conforming us through tribulation to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Tribulation works patience in our life.  It teaches us to wait patiently upon God the Father to deliver us through the tribulation.  It teaches experience, because it demonstrates the faithfulness of God to see us through each and every trial that we confront.  It teaches hope, as we wait for God's glorious deliverance.  In verse 5 it is revealed that hope maketh not ashamed.  If there was ever a time in history that God's people need hope, this is that day.  The Holy Spirit of God renews that hope in our hearts as we spend time in sweet fellowship with God the Father.  Remember when God allows tribulation to come to pass in your life, its not that He doesn't care, it's not that He is unconcerned, but He is accomplishing His perfect purpose in your life!