Tribulation is something that comes against us as God’s children. It is not a result of doing something wrong, but of doing something right. Tribulation happens in our lives as a result of following Him.

All…who live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 AMP

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NKJV

When we experience tribulations of various kinds, our adversary, the devil, will try to discourage or condemn us through false accusations. One of his greatest accusations is to tell us that we deserve what we are going through because we have done something wrong. We cannot rejoice and glory in tribulations (as God desires us to) if we walk around with a cloud of condemnation hanging over our heads that has blown in upon the wind of the enemy’s lies.

Good can come out of the suffering we experience through tribulation. "Diamonds were formed within the earth as a result of the "suffering" of carbon. This "suffering" was caused by great heat and pressure coming against carbon…without it, the precious stones that we call diamonds would not exist."*

We can be assured that God is using the heat and pressure of our suffering in this world to produce something precious within us that will bring an eternal reward.

Let the following truths of Scripture be an encouragement to you whenever you are facing times of tribulation. May they help to lighten your load, lift your spirit, and place a strong song of praise in your heart.

Tribulation is not a result of doing something wrong, but of doing something right. 2 Timothy 3:12

Realize that you are in good company when you are counted among those who have had the honor to suffer for His sake. Acts 5:41

You are walking as Jesus walked. John 15:18-20

Tribulation is the world’s way of letting you know you are not a part of that system. John 16:33

Deliverance is certain. 2 Timothy 4:18

God will bring you through…victoriously. Romans 8:35-37

You are blessed with Kingdom blessings. Matthew 5:10

It may be difficult now, but it will be worth it in the end. Matthew 24:13

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 NKJV