Daily Bible Verses for 1/21/2017
Daily Verse(s)
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Reading Notes
Perseverance comes with having gained endurance and stronger faith by remaining steadfast through trials, by trusting in the Lord. This is possible because we have the knowledge that our Lord is faithful to all who wait on Him. The word used here for trials or tribulations is the same word used for pressure. Like the pressure applied when squeezing fluid from olives or grapes. In other words, to smash something and keep it under constant pressure to bring out the rich oil or juice contained therein. And in the same way trials can bring out the true quality of our faith in Christ. God is not the author of evil, God does not cause trials to happen to us. However, God will allow trials to touch our lives, in order that we, through remaining steadfast in our trust of God, can build our faith stronger and have victory through the trial at hand. And we do so by Jesus, who strengthens us through the Holy Spirit who indwells us.
It’s important to note that these passages are not speaking about the normal pressures of everyday life. But rather the pressure, which results from the spiritual warfare and tribulation brought against God’s children by Satan, this dark world and our fallen sin nature. Moreover, we must understand that perseverance through such difficulties, produces rich spiritual benefits. By remaining steadfast in our faith, we build endurance which comes through our trust in the Lord, which in turn gives us strength to continue the work Jesus has set before us. We also gain confidence and hope in our salvation, because of the strengthening of our faith which occurred as a result of the trial. Therefore, because of the trials, we turn to God for strength as we remain faithful. Then, as a result of making it through the trial at hand, through the power of God, we become a testimony to those around us. By our faith we become a living sacrifice for God, visible for all to see.