Joyful in Hope
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Romans chapter 12, especially the second half, is a great collection of short statements on victorious Christian living. Today’s verse is one of those. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Be joyful in hope. Hope for the Christian is not just wishful thinking; it’s bedrock confidence in the power of God to make good on his promises. It is being certain of what we have not yet experienced. It’s being willing to wait for God’s perfect timing. Most important, we have the hope of the resurrection, the evidence of which is Christ’s resurrection from the dead, the first fruits of all who believe. The promise of scripture, and the hope for those who believe, is that we will step through death into life eternal with our savior and Lord.
Be patient in affliction. God doesn’t promise that our lives will be problem free, but in our affliction, he promises to be with us. A great example is Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth. You can read her entire story in the book of Ruth in the Old Testament in just a few minutes. Despite affliction, Naomi patiently follows God and her obedience becomes part of God’s plan of redemption for her family and for all who come to him by faith.
Be faithful in prayer. The bottom line is that we are to pray. We are to pray regardless of our emotions or circumstances. Faithfulness in prayer pleases God and helps to keep us grounded in the storms of life. The message here is that prayer is a discipline and a lifestyle that continues faithfully through the highs and lows of life. Prayer sustains us through the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, and it equips us to take the next step in faith.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Evaluate your present circumstances and response in light of this scripture verse.
How can this verse help you in your walk with Christ?
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.