Rejoice in tribulations!

Rejoice in tribulations!
- Pastor Ashish Mathews

Romans 5:3
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

*The word tribulation means pressure.* As you live the Christ life based on the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will face persecution. *It's impossible to live a godly life without persecution.*

*Revelation 1.9 says we are partakers in the tribulation, kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.* Pressure from opposing forces is normal for a child of God who walks in the ways of God. This verse tells us to rejoice in tribulations. This verse doesn't tell us to feel sorry for ourselves, to cry, to complain or accuse in tribulations but to rejoice in tribulations. *Romans 8.28 says, All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.* Pressure produces patience and patience produces character. You are becoming increasingly mature and stable. So even when you are under pressure for believing in Jesus, for holding on to the word, for walking on the word and for living the Christ life, all the pressure, tribulation and persecution is working for your good. *Child of God, you cannot be disadvantaged. You cannot lose. You are coming up! You are going higher and higher!* This is the reason, the Apostle Paul tells us to rejoice in tribulations because we know all things work for our good and the pressure that we are under right now is working to make us stronger, tougher and more glorious. When we don't know this, we give up under pressure. We think it's over and there's no point in holding on to the word. *Don't be deceived, know why tribulations come and let this knowledge compel you to rejoice because your best days are in front of you.*

Friend, if you genuinely live for Jesus, you cannot stop pressure from coming to you but you can make a quality decision on how you will react under pressure. *Have a good attitude under pressure and refuse to give up because you know it's working for your good.* Overcome the temptation to quit and keep believing the word, keep speaking, keep loving and keep smiling. You will see the change in you, your character will develop and your life will be a blessing to many. Look to Jesus, have a good attitude and refuse to give up for this is your time. The best is yet to come!