The Upside Down Kingdom: Rejoicing in Tribulation

By Deb Marsalisi

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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.” — Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)

To rejoice or glory in tribulation is one of those Bible directives that sounds impossible. The kingdom of God is so radically different from the world system that it seems almost upside down and counterintuitive. However, the perspective changes when you realize this was penned by the apostle Paul who endured a laundry list of terrible trials a mile long. This verse was written on the heels of brutal physical beatings, multiple shipwrecks, hunger, and imprisonments.

“Boast in the hope.”

What is our understanding of hope? Everything we think or feel needs to be held up to the Word of God to see how it compares. We must ask ourselves if our thoughts, actions, and feelings line up with the truth of God’s Word. Hope by the world’s standards is packed with much uncertainty, because “I hope” is nothing more than “I wish.”

When we allow the Bible to define our understanding of hope, the trial we face begins to look less overwhelming. The biblical hope offered to us by God is drastically different, it’s an absolute assurance of a future outcome...“the glory of God.” The glory of God doesn’t always look the way we think. His ways are not our ways. Our hope is not in circumstances but in God’s character, power, might, and compassion. God will not let our trials go to waste, which means our pain has a divine purpose. Struggles mold and shape us into the image of His beloved Son.

Many mature Christians can say with absolute certainty that their trials today will produce a positive outcome down the road. It’s the down-the-road part that we hate, am I right? It's so easy to lose sight of the positive outcome in the midst of pain. Paul, speaking from experience, says the pain of the trial will produce patience, experience, and hope. Okay, sign us up! We all want patience, but we’d prefer to skip the hard, messy part, the troubles, and the testing of our faith. Just supernaturally impart patience to me God, pretty please!

What about experience? We seem to only value experience once we’re done with the trial. We can often look back and assess what we’ve learned, but, man, when we’re in the trenches, it’s difficult. Think of it this way, the experience gained from our trials is like emotional currency —our experience pays the admission to speak and minister into the lives of others who are going through similar struggles. We’re able to comfort and provide hope in people’s time of need (2 Corinthians 1:4).

The fundamental theme of rejoicing in the hardships is centered around the free gift of faith and salvation given to us by God. We’re encouraged to not only remember that we’re both saved and also justified. I like to remember the term justification as “just as if” we never sinned because Jesus takes our sin debt and imparts to us His righteousness. We have peace with God when we blow it, His mercy surrounds us when we’re in the midst of a difficult season and when tensions are high and we act foolishly. Our belief in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection simply renders us not guilty before God and therefore we’re treated as holy. This is the love shed abroad in our hearts the verse is referring to. This is GREAT news worth rejoicing over!

Pause: Does it help to know Paul was able to rejoice in God with everything he endured (2 Corinthians 11:21–27)? Armed with this information, do you think you can, too?

Practice: Think about some of the trials you’ve endured over the years. What experience have you gained that can be shared with others? Find someone this week who is struggling and go love them.

Pray: Dear heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, I come before You in amazement. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for my salvation, justification, and sanctification. You made a way for me to rejoice even in the darkest of seasons. Please help me to remember Your plan for my family and me is so much better than I could ever imagine. Forgive me when I want the benefits of hope, patience, and experience without the struggle because that’s not how it works. I know You’ll grow and shape me when I surrender and trust. I love You, Lord. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.