Lent, Day 27, March 19 In Romans 12:12, Paul writes, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
We all have at least one of them. I’m talking about those people who, at just the right time, set us with just the right counsel. Maybe it is/was a grandmother, or a coach, or that person God sprinkled into your life when you needed His love and comfort the most.
I suggest we all think about the Apostle Paul being one of those people in our lives who showers us with love and comfort. One reason to consider Paul to do this is Romans 12:12. Here this persecutor turned proselytizer sets up unstoppable advice, precious wisdom, and practical steps. This most prolific writer of faith through the New Testament doesn’t advise us to just be hopeful; he calls us to JOYFUL in hope. Imagine what this means the next time you’re at a meeting and, in the back of your mind, these two words come forward with a spark as you and your team plan and then, in the presence of the always exciting and forever invigorating Holy Spirit, you all plan bigger.
As for patience in affliction, well, truth be told, none of want to hear this. However, patience is optimum over anxiety. Which one of us didn’t push too much too soon only to have a relapse? Perhaps sitting longer with—and learning from—affliction is some of the best Christian character building we can do.
Finally, to be faithful in prayer speaks to both hope and patience. Faith prayer, according to Paul, is a call for all of us to dig in a little deeper, stay a little longer, and, in the reverent space between God and that space between our ears, think a little more progressively. This reminder to draw close to God with words and with time will serve us all well because faithful prayer serves all well. Recipients of prayer, and I can speak to this directly from past experiences, know when they’re being prayed over throughout the day or the disaster at hand, there really is nothing better.
TRY IT: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
PRAYER: Faithful God, we faithfully pray that we remain joyful in hope and patient with pain. Amen.