Our Tribulations and What They Produce

Our Tribulations and What They Produce

Everyone has the most varied tribulations, but to live through them without God and without hope only results in disappointment, bitterness, and hopelessness. Some people become hard, while others find their way to God in their need. In Job 33 we see how God brings a man right down to the gates of death two or three times in order to destroy his arrogance. The more stiff-necked we are, the harder it is to pass through the tribulations of life. All the “whys” of unbelief pile up and cause a person to cower in discouragement and despair.

By faith and humility all the “whys” disappear, and each tribulation becomes a door of hope into deeper salvation and glory. Then the tribulations will be light and momentary, working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17.

We learn to know God in the tribulations—both His goodness and severity—and God gets to know us and our relationship to Him in everything we meet.

When Moses was young, God learned to know him as someone who was zealous and hard, as when he slew the Egyptian. But later in life, God could give him the testimony that he was a very meek man, more than all men who were on the face of the earth. Num. 12:3.

When Moses was one hundred and twenty years old and spoke his last words to Israel, he said: “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut. 33:26-27.

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun.” Moses had experienced this in the many tribulations that he had endured, both personally and on behalf of the children of Israel. His long experience had taught him that God “rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds.” Just think of the time Moses stood before the Red Sea, together with the great company of the children of Israel, with the great army of the enemy drawing steadily closer! In this situation that was totally hopeless as far as man was concerned, Moses learned to know God even better. God heard his prayer and came riding the heavens with help at exactly the right time.

When God was to name two great men of prayer, He named Moses and Samuel. Jer. 15:1. They received a great name with God and a large place in His heart because of their faithfulness and devotion to Him in life’s many tribulations. All men of God will experience the same thing.

God also led His people in a marvelous way in order to make a glorious name for Himself. Isa. 63:14. Through tribulations God learns to know us, and we learn to know Him. His name becomes great and glorious to us, and our name becomes great and glorious to Him. Jesus was totally faithful in all things, both small and great, and has the name which is above every name. Phil. 2:9.

Most people are busy with their own difficulties, but the holy men of God have viewed the tribulations of the people as their own tribulations. Their big and good hearts widened steadily. Christ and Paul, as well as all those who have followed them, have seen it in this light. 2 Cor. 6:11-12; Col. 1:24.

No one in this flock will be found among those about whom Jesus will have to say, “I do not know you.” Matt. 25:12.