“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3)
Patience is the gateway to godliness, the ground of all spiritual fruit, and essential to our full maturing in Christ. The process of maturity begins in earnest only after we see the value and purpose of patience in our lives. So many opportunities for patience slip by us because we are too agitated and upset by what precedes patience: “… tribulation worketh patience” (Rom. 5:3)
Trouble of all kinds work patience. But who wants trouble? Tribulations cause us pain, discomfort, distress, worry, fear, and anger. Couldn’t we have patience without having tribulation? No. Tribulations are the indispensable means for God to work patience in our life.
We must therefore have a new attitude toward tribulation if we are to let patience have her perfect work in us. We must begin to “count it all joy” when we fall into various vexing and trying situations. We must “glory in tribulations” because they present us the opportunity to enter the road of patience which leads to the destination of the glory of God. (Rom. 5:2)
The apostles wanted us to realize the vital relationship of patience to godliness and tribulation to patience. (Rom. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:6; James 1:3) Do we know it? If so, we will know how God is working all things, even the most grievous, together for good in our life. (Romans 8:28)