Faith Must Abound

 Glory in tribulations…

Are you considered sadistic if you glory in tribulation? No. You are not seeking tribulation, getting joy from tribulation. The glorying in tribulations is the comprehension that the revelation of faith is made apparent. Being able to give glory to God in all circumstances…  

Yes, Jesus cried out asking the Father why he was forsaken, and He agonized over the path to the cross wanting not to drink of the cup that only he could drink-- these are truths. Would we call that glorying in tribulation? To have reactions to tribulation is expected, to not be joyful for impending tribulation understandable. Choosing to holdfast to the faith in God after that is where we glory. Accepting God is in control when our entire life seems out of control that is glory in tribulation. Faith as we suffer, faith as we endure this is patience. No, we do not want tribulation, but tribulation abounds, and because it abounds we need faith.

(Excerpt) 

Romans 5:

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

Tribulation Worketh Patience. 

What is patience? It is endurance of suffering.

The root of the word "patience" means suffering. We see this in the fact that one who is ill is called "a patient." That is, he is a sufferer.

People often excuse their petulance by saying that they have so much to endure. They think that they would be patient if they did not have to suffer so much. No, they would not be. There can be no patience where there is no suffering. Trouble does not destroy patience, but develops it. When trouble seems to destroy one's patience, it is simply showing the fact that the person had no patience.

When Does It Work? The statement is that tribulation worketh patience. Yet there are many who become more and more irritable the more trouble they have. It does not work patience with them. Why not? Simply because they are not in the condition that the apostle is describing.

It is only those who are justified by faith that tribulation works patience.

Nothing but faith in God can keep one perfectly patient under all circumstances.

Will it Always Work? Yes, invariably. "Well," says one, "I am sure that anybody would be impatient if he had as much to trouble him as I have."

Question: Would Christ become impatient if he had the things to endure that you have? Did he not have as much to endure, and more? You must admit that he did. Was he impatient? "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth." Isa. 53:7. Then if he were in your place, he would be patient. Why, then, do you not let him be in your place?