Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

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Paul writes these words as part of an instruction guide for daily living to Christians in Rome at the time, but it should also serve as a guide for conducting our daily lives today. The verse is short and the words are simple, but how do we put it into practice?

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Rejoicing in hope feels impossible if our hope is found in our personal happiness.  When circumstances change and life is not easy, our tendency is to lose hope.  We can only be joyful in hope if our hope is found in the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ.

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Having patience in tribulation is perhaps the most difficult command in this verse!  Nobody wants to struggle.  We all want speedy resolutions to our suffering. However, because of Jesus, we can wait patiently in trials, trusting that He is working ALL things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). If we keep an eternal focus, we can remember that our troubles are “light and momentary” (2 Cor. 4:17) on this earth and that God is using our trials to refine us and make us look more like Jesus.

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Being constant in prayer reminds us to pray without giving up, expecting God to move on our behalf and communicating with Him about all aspects of our lives.  Faithful prayer requires that we trust God to be true to His word even when we do not understand His answers. Prayer realigns our desires with His heart.

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Living out the words of Romans 12:12 can only be done if we have a personal relationship with Jesus.  When we confess our sins and submit our lives to His authority, He begins a work in us that transforms our hearts and minds. Our actions become an overflow of that transformation. 

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Questions to Ponder:  Where is your hope today? Do you feel like you could easily lose hope if your world is shaken? What trials have you walked through in the past that can remind you of God’s faithfulness? Are you in constant communication with the Lord, trusting that He is working on your behalf even when you cannot see it?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, search my heart today and reveal to me any area that is not totally surrendered to Your will.  Help me to lay everything at Your feet and trust You.  Make Your will be the only desire of my heart.  Amen.