Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.“
Romans 12:12
Do you find it hard to keep a strong faith?
With all the chaos and uncertainty swirling around us, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, right?
But our scripture today offers some wisdom: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
What a great verse!
It’s like a three-step guide to navigating life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. So, let’s break it down and see how we can apply it to our lives today.
Step #1: “Be joyful in hope.”
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – easier said than done. How are we supposed to stay joyful when everything around us seems to fall apart? But here’s the thing – hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s an anchor for our souls, a confident expectation that God is still in control, no matter what. His promises in His Word are true.
So, amid all the uncertainty, let’s choose joy. Let’s hold on to the hope that God has a plan and works all things together for our good. And hey, let’s spread a little joy wherever we go because the world could surely use more.
Step #2: “Be patient in affliction.”
Patience—now there’s a tough one. I mean, who likes waiting? I don’t! But here’s the thing—in those moments when life throws us a curveball, when everything seems to be falling apart at the seams, patience becomes our greatest strength.
Instead of freaking out or trying to fix everything on our own, let’s take a deep breath and trust that God’s got this. Let’s lean into His timing and wisdom, knowing He’s working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it. And we should use those moments of affliction as opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient, knowing that they’re shaping us into the people God created us to be.
Step #3: “Be faithful in prayer.”
Ah, prayer—the lifeline of the soul. When was the last time you really poured your heart out to God? When you laid it all on the line and let Him know exactly what you’re going through?
Prayer is our anchor in a world that constantly pulls us in a million different directions. It’s our direct line to the God who created us, knows us inside and out, and loves us more than we could ever imagine.
So, let’s make prayer a priority in our lives—not just as a last resort when things get tough but as a daily practice of surrender and communion with our Creator.
So, there you have it – a roadmap for keeping the faith in today’s crazy world. Let’s choose joy, let’s embrace patience, and let’s be faithful in prayer. When we do, we can face whatever life throws our way.
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
DIG DEEPER
Read “Walk by Faith” also by Bryant Wright
