Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- Romans 12:11
- Romans 12:11
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!
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!
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4 Comments
Dear Pastor Ed , I t is with great joy, I look forward to your devotional s every day! I know you preach about healing and I believe that Jesus does miracles every day! I am 58 years old I was born into a very conservative Presbyterian church so was shocked when I attened CBC! ! I was baptized at 11 when I joined my church. My husband and I have been coming to Saturday at 5:00 for about 5 years but 4 years ago in May I really gave my life to Jesus and started attending TWFs ! Mary Jarvis was our leader she and all of the Ladies became my best friends! We still meet on Tuesday s we will return to Zoom They're y lifeline especially now that I am wheelchair bound! They stay with me when my husband has doctors appointments! Martha and Chuck are the f
Love this so much and thank you!!
nHere’s how my brain (and heart) summed it up:
n
nIt’s the 3 P’s!
n1) Positivity
n2) Patience
n3) Prayer
n
nMuch easier to have the first 2 when you’re locked in on the 3rd!
Thank you sir. And it’s so good to hear about our church helping each other through life. I was reading this morning about Abraham’s servant sent out to find Isaac a wife with Rebekah. When the parents were asked if she would go they said it is of the Lord. Who are we to say whether it is good or bad. How appropriate for this week and how great their faith was too. It’s easy when we are talking about either going out to eat or saving money by staying home and cooking. But when circumstances threaten the things I care about most that is when I really have a more difficult time trusting God. But my faith is based on the fact that He has never let me down and people like you all help me remember that along the way. Love yall!
I sure needed this message the other day. I have been sick for a couple of weeks and I was upset with the Lord for not healing me. Sadly, I lost my patience in a very unpretty way. I need Him and I appreciate the devotionals, it keeps me in check. Lord I want to hear the whisper of your voice as I wait in my suffering. Amen