Some groan because of trials. Paul chose to glory in them. Writing on this text, Dr. Kenneth Wuest says: “Paul did not exult because of the tribulations themselves but because of their beneficial effect upon his Christian life. This the saint must learn to do. He must look at these trials and difficulties as assets that develop his Christian character. Paul says that they work patience.”

George L. Rogers writes: “Most blessed is the ministry of affliction to those in the school of grace. Affliction produces endurance, the endurance of expectation (I Thessalonians 1:3), which, without fretfulness or complaint, heroically bears up under what God sends as being part of the all which He is working together for our good,”

Trials also build the patience of faith. Had we been asked to endure certain trials in advance, we might have thought we were unable or that God could not sustain us through them. However, when the trouble came, we held up because He gave grace for that occasion. After the trial, we knew that God was sufficient even for that unwanted affliction and therefore faith was stronger.

Annie Johnson Flint said from experience: “He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.” And had she not gone through times of increased burdens we would never have had her helpful and blessed song.

Trouble also increases patience in prayer. How quickly we want our answers! Yet God in His wisdom delays so that we will learn to pray with patient faith.

God is at work in your trials today!