Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer

As a believer, we have a responsibility to live a life different than those who do not know Jesus on a personal level. Remember, we are not just living for the day, going through life aimlessly. We are here to serve a much greater purpose, and that is God’s purpose. As we go through life, we should act with zeal and spiritual fervor. This means to have great energy and enthusiasm, intensity and passion for the life Christ has called us to live.

But that does not mean everything in life will go our way. We are still going to face obstacles and trials that will test our faith. But Romans 12:11 tells us exactly what we should do when these times comes, the verse says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

No matter what we are going through, these are three commands that we should practice in any and every trying situation. First, we are to remain joyful in hope. This is not an ignorant hope, but rather a hope in the God of the universe, the One who is in control of every area of our lives. And because He is in control, we can have a joyful hope no matter how our current circumstances look.

Next, it says to be patient in affliction. Just because you are following Christ does not mean He is going to get you out of any bad or uncomfortable situation the second you get into it. God often uses difficult and trying times to test our faith and grow us in new ways. When these times come, we are to remain patient. Just because God doesn’t act immediately does not mean He will not come through for us.

Spoiler alert: He always comes through. We just have to stay patient.

Finally, we must stay faithful in prayer. This is important. Often God allows us to stay in these difficult times so that we grow closer to Him. And one of the main ways we do that is through prayer. When you find yourself in a difficult time, stay joyful in hope. Remain patient in affliction. And never stop praying. That is what separates a believer. You have Jesus on your side!