ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE

Tribulation Produces Endurance

Christians can be sure of their endurance and of the stability of their faith only after weathering storms of tribulation.  Our endurance will "have its work complete"  in stormy seas only if we are "complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything,"  Including strong faith.   Paul wrote:  "In every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties." - 2 Corinthians 6:4.

The gale-force winds of tribulation that we may experience at times should be considered opportunities to prove that our ship of faith is sound and stable.  To Christians in Rome, Paul wrote:  "Let  us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment."  (Romans 5: 3-5) Steadfastness under trial brings us Jehovah's approval.  This, in turn, strengthens our hope.

Next time: Why Some Suffer Shipwreck

Watchtower, 2000