Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; Romans 12:12
Paul’s letter to the Roman Church addressed every issue that is very vital to living the Christian life. In this chapter Paul sums up all that is necessary to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Verse 12 is a description of the Christian life in which we are encouraged to Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be steadfast in prayer.
Rejoicing in hope is to have unwavering assurance in God’s Word knowing that our hope of glory is secured for us in heaven. Our hope is built on nothing less than trusting in the cross of Christ. Patient in tribulation is to know and accept that in this world we will have tribulation but to wait patiently in our suffering knowing that His strength is sufficient to see us through every difficulty of life, because He has already overcome sin and death. Continuing steadfastly in prayer is to recognize that prayer is one of the main weapons for us as believers. Let us use this weapon constantly to lift our voice to the Lord in thanks, praise and intercession knowing that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.