Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we also boast in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance; (4) and endurance, approvedness; and approvedness, hope. 1 Pet 1:6-7 In which time you exult, though for a little while at present, if it must be, you have been made sorrowful by various trials, so that the proving of your faith, much more precious than of gold which perishes though it is proved by fire...
The experience of tribulation produces endurance. Endurance is more than patience; it is the product of patience plus suffering. None of us was born with endurance; it is produced by the suffering of tribulation. Therefore, Paul says that tribulation works endurance. Endurance produces approvedness.... Thus, approvedness is a quality or attribute that can be approved. At times, it is difficult for young brothers to have the approval of others. They need the endurance which produces a quality that is easily approved by others. Tribulation issues in endurance, and endurance brings forth the quality of approvedness. Consider the example of raw gold. Although it is genuine gold, it is raw and unattractive. It needs the purifying fire. The more the gold suffers the burning of the fire, the more an approved quality will be produced. After burning and trial, the gold acquires a quality that is easily approved by everyone. Perhaps many of the young people are like raw gold. They do not need polishing or painting; they need burning. If we have the virtue of approvedness, we will not be a problem to others. We all must pray, "Lord, grant me approvedness." If you pray in this way, the Lord will ask, "Do you really mean business?" If your answer is affirmative, the Lord will raise up the circumstances that will produce approvedness for you.
Bible verses are taken from the Recovery Version of the Bible and Words of Ministry from Witness Lee. Life-study of Romans, pp. 106-107. Both are published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, CA. Please visit us at www.emanna.com. Send comments to: [email protected].
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