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<FONT size=-1>(The purpose of these pages is to provide Biblical help for
times of fiery trials, tribulations, adversity, testing, trouble, and
difficulty.)</FONT>
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<B><FONT size=+3>Insights from Romans 5</FONT></B>
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<FONT size=+1><A href="CDS.html">(This information is now available on audio
CD!)</A></FONT>
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<B><I><FONT size=+1>And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing
that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience,
hope... (Romans 5:3-4)</FONT></I></B>
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<FONT size=+1>These are amazing words. Paul does not write the "we
<I>endure</I> tribulations," but that "we <I>glory</I> in tribulations."
How can this be?</FONT>
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<FONT size=+1>It is because the tribulation is producing something. It is
producing "patience" (perseverance), "experience" (proven character), and
"hope." He alludes to the same idea in 2 Corinthians 4:17:</FONT>
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<B><I><FONT size=+1>"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory."</FONT></I></B>
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<FONT size=+1>Think about it. What does God do when we enter a time of trial
and cry out to Him for help?</FONT>
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<B><I><FONT size=+1>"The righteous cry and the LORD hears, And delivers them
out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17 )</FONT></I></B>
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<FONT size=+1>Just as we come to the aid of our children when they cry out
for help, so does He come to our aid! Remember the disciples in the
storm?</FONT>
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<B><I><FONT size=+1>"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves
beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part
of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master,
carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said
unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great
calm." (Mark 4:37-39)</FONT></I></B>
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<FONT size=+1>Or course, God comes in His perfect time, which we usually
think is way too late! He has purposes in His "delays." (One of which is
to enable us to develop the character qualities of patience, endurance,
perseverance, persistence, etc.) But, in one way or another, He always delivers
His children.</FONT>
<P>
<FONT size=+1>So here's the pattern: We are cruising along in life. Things
seem to be going pretty well. Suddenly, we find ourselves smack in the middle
of a crisis! In alarm, we cry out to God. And in His time, He delivers
us.</FONT>
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<FONT size=+1>Once again, we cruise along for awhile, then run into another
crisis. Again, we cry out to God. Again, He delivers us.</FONT>
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<FONT size=+1>After we experience His deliverance a few times, we begin to
grow steadier during the crisis. We realize, "God has always seen me through
this far. I expect that He will see me through this one too!"</FONT>
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<FONT size=+1>Eventually we get to the place where we realize that God has
developed perseverance, proven character, and an unshakable hope in us. We
know that He will deliver us through every crisis, including the last great
crisis that involves our physical demise! We begin to look at the events
of this life more from the perspective of eternity, like He does.</FONT>
<P>
<FONT size=+1>It may be a little like a horse that has never been ridden.
I suspect that the first time his owner gets upon his back, the horse is
filled with sheer terror! But as time goes on, the horse realizes that his
master is not out to kill him. He finally gains confidence in his master
and the terror is gone.</FONT>
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<FONT size=+1>So if you're going through the fire now, be sure that you allow
it to accomplish these purposes in you! It will give you great peace now,
and enable you to handle the next crisis with much more confidence!</FONT>
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<TD><I><FONT size=-2>"And then one day, I'll cross that river,</FONT></I>
<BR>
<I><FONT size=-2>I'll fight life's final war with pain.</FONT></I>
<BR>
<I><FONT size=-2>And then when death gives way to Victory,</FONT></I>
<BR>
<I><FONT size=-2>I'll see the lights of Glory and I'll know He
lives!</FONT></I>
<P>
<I><FONT size=+1>"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,</FONT></I>
<BR>
<I><FONT size=+1>Because He lives, all fear is gone!</FONT></I>
<BR>
<I><FONT size=+1>Because I know (I know!) He holds the future,</FONT></I>
<BR>
<I><FONT size=+1>And life is worth the living just because He
lives!"</FONT></I>
<DIV align=right>
<I><FONT size=+1>(Bill and Gloria Gaither)</FONT></I>
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<P>
Steve Hall <BR>
1997 <BR>
<A href="mailto:steve@aboundingjoy.com">steve@aboundingjoy.com</A>
<P>
<FONT size=-2>© 2000 Steve Hall. Permission is hereby granted to quote
from these web pages, in part or in full, as long as the following statement
is included: "© 2000 Steve Hall (steve@aboundingjoy.com). Quoted by
Permission."</FONT>
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