“Let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance;

Romans 5:3

3. (a) As indicated at Romans 5:3, how does tribulation produce endurance? (b) How does this result in the strengthening of our faith? (Hebrews 10:38, 39)

³ When we read of the persecution that our fellow Christians are undergoing in some places, we may wonder, “Would I be able to endure that?” But then, when opposition or trials suddenly come our way, and, instead of giving in or drawing back from serving God, we turn to him for help, we find that he answers our prayers, and we experience how tribulation produces endurance. Then we no longer wonder whether we could endure it; we know we can, in Jehovah’s strength. The first trial may not have been so very severe, but our faith has nevertheless been tested, and it is stronger for it. The next test may be harder, but our faith is that much stronger because we did not shrink back from the former one. So in Jehovah’s strength we can actually meet any test of our faith, knowing that he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear; nor will he leave us “in the lurch.”​—1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10.

4. After successfully enduring temptation or persecution, what real reasons do we have for being joyful?

⁴ Endurance of tribulation is truly a reason for exultation. We can be glad that we did not submit to temptation but held fast to what is right. We know this is what God approves, so our successful endurance has brought us closer to him, which is a further reason for joy, as so clearly stated at James 1:12.