
Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” This is the way the saints are perfected—not through tribulations. We are to be perfected by the Word, through the ministry.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m glad to know that God didn’t send cancer to edify me or poverty to perfect my faith. No, these curses are not from God. They are from Satan, and we are to triumph over them with the power twins—faith and patience.
The Word does not say faith is developed by trials, but it does say that the trying of our faith works patience. It’s what we do with trials and tribulations that makes the difference—not the fact that we’re suffering. There are those in the Church who think we are to glory in tribulations, but tribulation is not the goal of Christianity. Many think we can’t be worth anything until we suffer. That’s not true. You’ll not be worth anything unless you overcome that suffering. Suffering is the result of the attack of Satan. The glory is in overcoming that trial with the Word of God, through the power of God. There is no glory in knuckling down and enduring trials. This is why we can count it all joy when we are tried. We know that Jesus has defeated Satan, and that we’re victors over anything he sends our way.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The glory lies in overcoming the world and its trials and tribulations. Trouble may come our way, but through the good things of God, He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:1-4). Paul was saying that he had peace with God whatever came his way. He had this peace, not only when things were working right for him, but also when trouble came down the road. He did not let go of his peace with God because of tribulation. This tribulation only worked patience in him, and patience brought the experience of victory. Then the experience of victory worked hope.