“WE KNOW”
- “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because WE KNOW that SUFFERING PRODUCES perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.“-{Romans 5:3-4}. “We know,” The phrase means to be “fully aware.” He wants you and me to be Informed not ignorant and therefore we can “also glory in our suffering,” Suffering” or “Tribulations,” is the Greek word, “Thlipsis,” “Figuratively thlipsis pictures one being “crushed” by intense pressure, difficult circumstances, suffering or trouble pressing upon them from without. Thus persecution, affliction, distress, opposition or tribulation, all press hard on one’s soul. Thlipsis does not refer to mild discomfort but to great difficulty. In Scripture the thlipsis is most often used of outward difficulties, but it is also used of emotional stress and sorrows which “weighs down” a man’s spirit like the sorrows and burden his heart. Thlipsis then includes the disappointments which can “crush the life” out of the one who is afflicted.
- The English word “tribulation” is derived from the Latin word tribulum (literally a thing with teeth that tears), which was a heavy piece of timber with spikes in it, used for threshing the corn or grain. The tribulum was drawn over the grain and it separated the wheat from the chaff. As believers experience the “tribulum” of tribulations, and depend on God’s grace, the trials purify us and rid us of the chaff. “- {preceptaustin}. “thlípsis – properly, pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that “hems someone in”; tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, “without options”).”-{Help’s Word Study}. “Thlípsis (“compression, tribulation”) carries the challenge of coping with the internal pressure of a tribulation, especially when feeling there is “no way of escape” (“hemmed in”).-{Strong’s Concordance}. We “exult,” confidently rejoice, boast, in our “Tribulations,” not because of them but because “we know” what God is bringing about, producing, achieving through them! He is using them, He has an end in sight for us and “we know” what it is, in this case to produce” perseverance, proven character and hope that does not disappoint,” We know” because His Word wants me and you to know!
- “And WE KNOW that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”-{Romans 8:28}. This verse has been called “a soft pillow for a tired heart” how beautiful is that!.
- “WE KNOW” from the above passages God has purpose in our pain we are not ignorant but are informed through His Word, that He is working all things for our good as He DEVELOPS us {read James 1:2-4}; EQUIPS us to Comfort others- { Read 2 Cor 1:4} and be more FRUITFUL – {Read John 15:5,16}
- “WE KNOW”- the certainty, assurance His Word gives us that as a result we can be “joyfully confident,” boast, as the word “glory” speaks of in Romans 5;3. It is not the gritting of teeth and even at best handling it gracefully, but confidently exulting, boasting continuously, which is supernatural empowered by the Holy Spirit within as we submit to Him and His Word. It refers to living with God giving confidence and holding your head up high! We “exult” because of what “We Know” He is producing , achieving in our lives! in what God has revealed in His Word to us. And “WE KNOW” that God can take all things in our life and work them, bringing all the pieces together and making them come together for “good” in conforming us to His image, and as a result others benefit and for His Honor. Nothing is wasted in His economy as He “works ALL things,” not a few things, or selected things, the nice things, but the ugly things, the painful things, the sinful things, “all things” included in His Hands He promises He will take and work for good. The Promise is EXCLUSIVE- only for those who “Love Him and are the Called.”- it is Exclusive for His People. “WE KNOW…” THIS… God is working on your behalf
- Based on what “WE KNOW,” from the Scriptures,… SPEAK THE TRUTH TO YOURSELF TODAY based on the above Scriptures. What is it that Paul said “WE KNOW,” that he wanted the people to be FULLY AWARE OF…? And what are TWO TRUTHS you can be fully aware of from Romans 5:3-4 and Romans 8:28? When Suffering, great pressures, tribulations, trials, difficulties come into your life, and you are tempted to sink emotionally speak the truth to yourself and THINK on it over and over what He desires for you to “KNOW…” and the reasons in the difficulties to confidently exult because of Who you Know and What you Know He is producing!
- SHARE with others what “WE KNOW” based on what HE SAYS! Too often we can look at what we are to “KNOW,” and we may outwardly “agree verbally” and nod our heads in agreement but in reality, we often fall back to what we “FEEL,” and elevate what we “FEEL, “above what HE SAYS! How is our faith developed? Through hearing and applying His Word… and that often means taking sides against yourself at times and what you “feel,” and “see,” as the authority in how you respond and view life or make the choice to choose His Word and what He has revealed to us so that like those in Paul’s day we too can say with confidence, “WE KNOW” what God says and what He is doing from these verses in Romans 5:3-4; Romans 8:28…
- PRAISE HIM! Thank Him because you are not ignorant but have been informed in His Word, thank God, “WE KNOW,” something today God would have us know and be fully aware of and it can be that pillow for our tired minds, souls!
“KNOW,” YOU HAVE…2 PROMISES to REST In, 2 PROMISES to REJOICE IN, 2 PROMISES To SHARE, 2 PROMISES to PRAISE HIM FOR -🙂🙂