Endurance

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope.
– Romans 5:3,4

Paul wrote these words at time when Christians were being actively persecuted and killed in horrible ways. Going through trials and tribulations is often a test, a chance to strengthen our faith. If a person manages to survive an uncomfortable or challenging affair, that person’s character will forever be changed. No one can go through some kind of ordeal without coming out a changed person; it’s how that person changed that can either bring hope or despair.

Faith is the key in coming out of a tribulation a stronger and better person. Faith keeps us close to God. Christians know that this life is only temporary, our real, eternal life is awaiting us with the Father in heaven. People who lack faith will often break under pressure, because they rely on temporal, worldly beliefs.

The hope that Christians have is that upon death, their soul will forever be with Jesus in heaven. The hope of being reconciled with God is a product of having faith and believing in Jesus Christ. Without that faith, we have no hope of ever being reconciled with the Lord.