3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Previously in verse 2 it says "we rejoice in the hope that is ours." and now in verse 3 Paul tells us that "we will also glory/rejoice in our sufferings." Let’s face it. We are not in glory yet, but glory and the presence of God is with us even in the difficulties of this life. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is external. Joy is internal. Happiness is based on chance. Joy is based on choice. Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is based on Christ. Joy comes from understanding truth (v. 2).
The Greek word for “suffering” literally means "pressure --- To have different things pressing down on you". A modern translation might say, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our pressures.” Don’t our pressures tend to make us depressed or despondent? Soon we are overcome with a sense of hopelessness or futility.
I was reading the sad news that more Christians have been persecuted in this last generation than any other generation before. Jesus says in the world we will have tribulations and troubles, but God redeems things by the cross and can make good things come out of bad things. Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purposes.” So, we have this encouragement: “rejoice in our sufferings” because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
This is hard to understand - Joy for suffering. The reason is that Jesus redeems the understanding of suffering which Satan uses to beat us down. Instead, Christ shows us how this is used to build us up. Suffering gives us perseverance. Perseverance produces character within us. Because of developing character, we grow in hope or confidence. This maturing process is done by the power of the Holy Spirit. We learn perseverance. There is no other way to achieve our goals than to stick with it. Do not quit. Life on this earth is promised with sweat and toil. Life is not easy. Suffering is involved with our existence and even the coming into the world is through painful childbirth for the woman.
There are challenges that make life hard. There are people victimized, those who are unloved, and those who are treated unfairly. There is prejudice, death, disease, accidents, and hardships. Do not quit. Keep at it. It develops perseverance, for joy comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. God gives you the strength to go on and will redeem the experiences for us. When we persevere, it affects our character. We become people of determination who are disciplined, hard working, and trustworthy. When we learn to control impulses; we can say no to many needless purchases and mindless activities.
Character is also developed when we do what is right even if it leads to suffering. If you have seen the movie, the Karate Kid, the scene “Wax On - Wax Off” shows the kid getting frustrated after days of waxing cars. He just wanted to learn Karate moves. The instructor kept making him wax cars using a certain method of putting the wax on and taking the wax off. The kid was learning Karate through the repetitious waxing and polishing of vehicles which he could never see at the time. He considered waxing a waste of time, but by doing the menial tasks, the repetition of movements was increasing his muscles and endurance. He also learned humility and developed character. Maybe in your life you feel like the Karate kid; you feel like God is misleading you, just asking you to wax on and wax off.
The Apostle Paul is saying that God is more concerned with us being holy than with our being happy. He is more committed to our character development than He is to our comfort. Perseverance is the quality that produces joy when you realize you do not give up, but keep trusting, believing, and succeeding in God's strength and time.
Dale
