UCKG GUYANA

A benefit for those who are of faith

Tribulation is extremely important to those who are born of the Holy Spirit, as well as to those who are in the process of being born of Him, because it helps them develop their Christian faith. If it weren't so, God would not allow His children to go through it.
But what's tribulation?
Diseases, infirmities, financial and family problems have nothing to do with tribulations.
Tribulation has to do with problems related exclusively to Christian faith. Persecution, injustice, humiliation, gossip, betrayal and slander in the church are some of the things that affect our faith directly.
The Holy Spirit teaches us to glory not only in the hope of the glory of God, which is our salvation, but also in the price we have to pay in order to receive it! In other words, if we rejoice and glory in the assurance of the salvation of our soul, we should also rejoice and glory when going through tribulations (Romans 5.1,2).
Many times, Christians sow a seed that is not good and, later on, when they reap rotten fruits, they start complaining about their "heavy cross". Bad marriages, promiscuity, lies, slander and a series of other works of the flesh cause conflict, sadness and pain. And they are not related to faith!
True tribulation always benefits those who are of faith. It's God who allows it to happen, for their own good.
The Lord emphasized the glory of those who are persecuted because of their faith, saying:
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake."
Note that He said "persecuted for righteousness' sake", and not because of their sins or because they have been unjust!
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5.10-12).
The glory of tribulation is what produces perseverance, character and hope - which are indispensable for the upkeep of our salvation.