Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and continue steadfastly in prayer.
Scripture
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. -Romans 12:12
Observation
This scripture was Paul addressing Christians as to how we ought to behave and live . At first glance , it seemed pretty straightforward until it wasn’t anymore because it really had me thinking . To rejoice in hope means being glad about an expectation you’ve not yet seen. This is a big ask because how does one truly get themselves to be a happy in a thing or promise they’ve not yet seen manifest? A promise that seems so far away and nearly impossible . To be patient in tribulation means to endure , persevere or remain in hardships . Tribulation can feel like torment to the mind , emotions and will so how does one consciously decide to remain and endure ? Picture yourself burning in a fire or drowning in a sea , how do you tell yourself I’ll stay in this and not escape ? Our first instinct as humans is to take flight in the face of adversity, however God is saying otherwise. In our darkest times, our prayers remind us of what we’re going through and how we’re still yet to see results. We almost feel like a hopeless nagging wife when we pray. How do you tell one to carry on praying everyday even when they don’t see results. For how long ? How long before one gets weary ? These are honest questions I asked myself.
Application
The truth is, God’s love will never fail us . How can I prove this? Hear me out , A God that went through crucifixion and suffering for OUR SAKE that He barely looked human (Isaiah 52:14) when He absolutely did not have to bear that cross. He did that knowing some of us will never say “yes” to Him (ps the existence of other religions proves this), but He still chose to do it anyway. That is a God that RECKLESSLY loves you. When someone loves you, they give you the choice to choose them or not.
So when our circumstances say otherwise, yes you can rejoice in hope. Not in hope that you can see a way out but in the Hope that comes from a place of “I know God loves me incredibly so surely something beautiful will come out of this ashes”. Yes you can endure that tribulation because God will never give you anything beyond what you can bear, you’re alive right ? that’s enough proof . (1 Corinthians 10:13) Furthermore all things work out for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). You can never lose or fail. His grace is sufficient enough that even for those of us who become weary in a place of prayer, He wants to give us rest and also make us carry His yoke which is significantly lighter than ours (Matthew 11:28). We receive peace even before the answers to our prayers, that is how much God cares for us (Philippians 4:6-7)
So yes it’s possible to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and continue steadfastly in prayer as a child of God.
Prayer
Abba Father Thank You that You love me recklessly. I embrace, come into agreement and rest in this love . Grant me the ability and strength to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and continue steadfastly in prayer. Let Your will be done in Jesus Name I pray Amen.