SRomans 5:3-5 (KJV)
³  “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
⁴  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
⁵  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. “

How many times can I read a verse and still miss some really good and amazing revelation?  I love it when the Holy Spirit quickens something new.

I am having some fun using my “Andrew Wommack Living Commentary” software and very much enjoying the Strong’s Concordance referencing tool and the scripture cross-referencing tool as well of course as having at my fingertips access to Andrew’s commentary as well as Matthew Henry for every line that I read…

The original language of the above verse is so powerful in that it is just so positive when you get the full nuance of the words.

Here are a few examples.

So interesting that the word “experience” Strong’s Concordance # G1382 also means proof…  Is it possible that these adverse situations that are so inevitable in life bring us to the very place where we experience the faithfulness of God and therefore the proof we need to really rest in him?  To me it changes my perspective from kind of a nebulous dread to this great anticipation of now having the opportunity to be a first row witness to His faithfulness, power and love in action.

This is further supported by the use of the word “hope”… which also implies the pleasure of a positive anticipation for what is surely coming.

This has helped me to better understand the meaning of the word “patience” in verse 3….   which implies a waiting with cheerfulness.   Hmm…  Not the first thing that I think of when it comes to natural patience…  but in the context of all that is here, being cheerfully patient seems much  more attainable and doable, understanding that the very things we know as tribulations  are the very best and exciting places to have encounters with the Love, power, rest, provision and Kingdom of God.

AWESOME!!!!!