"And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also: knowing that tribulation
worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope."
- Romans 5:3-4
The word "experience" is rendered in several different translations of the Bible as character. The Living Bible translates it as, "Patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Webster's New World Dictionary says the word "character" derives its meaning from the idea of engraving or being engraved. It speaks of the distinctive marks left by a sculptor when he is carving impressions into his work. What he has crafted leaves marks that express character. Sometimes these markings are so unique that an artist can recognize another sculptor's work just by the impressions alone. God, who is the master sculptor, has left his mark in creation that reveals his handiwork. To the keen eye that knows what to look for, the markings of God can be recognized in just about anything made. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead" (Romans 1:20).
According to this text in Romans, character comes from the work of patience. But notice, patience goes to work when we are experiencing tribulation. There are two different thoughts associated with the word "tribulation." One has to do with pressure or distress put upon us because of the difficulties of life. The other has to do with proving or testing the worth of something. James speaks of it in this manner: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations (should actually read tests or trials); knowing this; that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4). Both applications of the word trial involve patience. Hebrews chapter six says, "...through faith and patience we inherit the promise..." It might as well have said, "...through the trying of your faith we inherit the promise," because as James states, patience is put into operation when your faith is being tried.
When it comes to the idea of "tribulation works patience," folks sometimes get confused about what it means to go through a test or a trial. Obviously, we know the enemy is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and we have to stay girded up in our faith by making a stand. We do that through the force of patience. Other times our faith is being tested to prove the worth of our character, such was the case of Abraham when God tested him in offering up Isaac, his son.
Regardless of whether we are standing against the strategies of the enemy or we are being proven for a greater purpose in the plan of God, we have to know how to apply patience to what we are going through. Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your soul" (Luke 21:19). The purpose of patience is to gird up the loins of your mind, because that is where the battle is fought. If you break under pressure, your faith will get weary and cause you to faint in your mind (Gal. 6:9).
What you do under pressure defines your character. Losing your patience means your character hasn't become resolute and needs to be strengthened by the Word. Jeremiah the prophet talks about "the potter and the clay." The potter is the one who fashion the clay, giving it character and purpose. That is why James said, "...But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." When you come out on the other side of any test or trial, your patience will have defined you, and it will cause you to be better fit for the master's use. God can and will empower you to have his character in any situation you face, so that you come out of it with a deeper resolve and a greater determination to do his will.
If you have truly put patience to work, then the trying of your faith should result in you coming out stronger, not weaker. It's like steel that is forged in the fire. It takes the fire to shape the steel, and when it is fashioned it is then cooled. Whatever shape is formed then has the strength to perform its purpose. I like to think of character building as "patience-under-pressure-for-a-purpose." The three "P's" to perfection! God always has a purpose. His aim is for you to endure under pressure by being patient, and if you won't cave in, then his purposes will be revealed. Think about when Jesus was in the wilderness of temptation. He refused to let pressure cause him to get off the Word. His very character was full of resolve to do the will of God and when he came through it, he returned in the power of the Spirit. Paul told the church of Philippi, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." The very Christ, who knew the depth of endurance in every possibly way, is living in you! Don't let pressure rule your life - let patience rule instead! If you will determine to stand on the Word of God and not be moved, you will find strength, resilience, a power beyond anything you have ever experienced before. And notice how it all ends, "and experience, hope..." In other words, your resolve will deepen your hope to where you know that you know that you are bigger than any trial, test, or adversity.