Paul also developed the meaning of justification by faith dealt relative to the problems that enter into our lives. Everybody has problems. Nobody escapes them. Paul said we can give a happy shout about the way God deals with our problems.
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; (Rom 5:3-4)
The problems we have in life are not a proof of our rejection by God, but those problems have become a pathway to Christlikeness. Our response in a spiritually healthy way to the tribulations or the pressures of life produces perseverance. As we continue to persevere by faith it develops for us an approved character. As we see problem after problem of life being used to make us like Christ, it also develops within us a sense of hope. We can deal with what happens to us in life. We don't have to be afraid. So what we see is that our problems have now become a blessed way to participate in the life and character of Christ. God does not want to waste one problem that we have, but he wants to use it for our spiritual good.
