TRIUMPHANT OVER TRIBULATION

 

The Christian will reside in a world of tribulation, yet because of Christ in us troubles need not preside over us. Jesus promised, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” (Jn. 16:33b). 

This is the very circumstance Paul addresses in 2 Thessalonians. The church was facing tribulation and they were being tested by this trouble. Yet in a trio of timeless traits, (1:3-4), the Apostle assures them they can be triumphant over tribulations—and so may we.

We can overcome by EXCEEDING FAITH, “your faith grows exceedingly.”  Faith grows as it is challenged. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. It is purified by the problems we encounter.   Peter put it, “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬‬).

John Rippon wrote of this in his beloved hymn, “How Firm a Foundation.” 

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

We also are victorious through EXTRAVAGANT LOVE, “the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.”  Even as we are called to love God with all our being, we are called to love each other as we love ourselves. These encapsulate all of God’s commands for us. 

True love is extravagant. It is all about giving. John 3:16 portrays such abounding love of the Father for us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”  No greater love could be displayed in the giving of the greatest gift to meet our greatest need. Love is seen to be more than a feeling, but an action. It springs from volition before it births emotion. 

Though the world hates us, we can endure in knowing God loves us.  That is tangible in how fellow believers support one another in the midst of our trials.

Further, we triumph in ENDURING HOPE, “your patience…in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.”  Patience is linked with hope. In the prior letter, Paul spoke of, “patience of hope,” (1 Thess. 1:3). This hope sustains us. We know that our trials are not a permanent state, but that Christ will put things right one glorious Day. We can hope for some respite here in this troubled world—an oasis in the burning desert of tribulation. Ultimately, that will be short-lived and only a foretaste as we are, “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬‬).

This hope gives us the strength to press on and endure. There is absolute assurance of victory in Jesus. That absolute can make us resolute.  

John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” accurately portrays the journey of Christian from escaping the City of Destruction, the difficult journey, but finally arriving in the Celestial City. God promises triumph over tribulation.