Greetings Christ Church Missoula!
Grace to you and Peace!
“Let us glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
This week’s mediation is the 7th and final answer to the question of why God puts trials in our lives from Thomas Boston. He says, “God sends us trouble to keep us from being spiritually lazy.”
As we have seen, several of the reasons God brings us trials are related to revelation of and repenting of sin. However, this verse shows us that trials are an opportunity to put our spirituality to work. They are opportunities to manifest our faith and trust in God. Abraham, Jospeh, Moses, Job (and many more) all had trials given to them so that their perseverance, character, and hope became visible to all.
Without these trials our faith may become lax, hidden, and our trust weakened. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Someone once said that as stars in the sky shine all the brighter the darker the sky, so too does our faith shine brighter in dark times. This is our true purpose; to bring glory to God. May the Lord be at work in our lives to bring ever increasing glory to His name!
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn