Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.12.NLT
I like to mix things up in life. Innovation and creativity excite me. In uncertain times, this also becomes a vulnerability. Change for change’s sake usually doesn’t work.
Paul reminds us to stay the course in three specific ways:
- Rejoice in our confident hope: Our confident hope is in God through Jesus Christ. It is about life being restored and made new. This happens now and it extends beyond physical death in this life. It is about God living out His will to redeem, restore and renew people and creation. Our confident hope is in God the Father. Our confident hope is in Jesus Christ. Our confident hope is in the Holy Spirit.
- Be patient in trouble: We all get into trouble. Sometimes we bring it on ourselves. Other times it comes from outside of us. Trouble is part of life in a broken world. The initial response when trouble comes is to move quickly and react now. Paul reminds us to approach trouble with patience. Stand with people in messy situations. Guard against rushed reactions, panic, and poor decision making when in trouble. Lean into patience. Give time for wisdom and discernment from God. He is with us in hard times.
- Keep on praying: Continue to spend time alone with God, praying about the hope He gives us and the patience we need. Talk with God about concerns. Continue to pray for people and situations that need God’s help. Keep on praying.
Reflection
These words are spot on for followers of Jesus today. Living with the hope we have in God allows us to experience joy in our own lives, while, at the same time, sharing it with others. Being patient in trouble gives us capacity to stay present with others in messy situations that take time to work out. Continuing to pray keeps us focused on God, the giver of life.
Encouragement
Put Paul’s guidance into practice today. Take a few minutes with God to thank Him for who He is and what He is doing in and through your life. Be patient with the people and circumstances that are giving you trouble. Guard against hasty conclusions and actions. Bring all of this to God in prayer. Pray with God today.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the hope we have in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Thank You for giving us patience in times of trouble. Help us to hang in there in messy situations. Help us to see what You are doing in our challenges. Thank You for conversation with You in prayer. Keep us coming to You in prayer, knowing that You are attentive and responsive.
In Jesus name, Amen