Unshakable Hope in Shifting Seasons
08/23/2025
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12 (NIV)
There’s a reason Paul places these three commands side by side. They are like three strands of rope woven together to keep us steady in life’s storms. Alone, each is strong, but together they form an anchor for our soul.
Think about the first: “Be joyful in hope.” Hope is not wishful thinking. Biblical hope is the confident expectation of God’s goodness based on His character and His promises. Imagine a child standing at the window, face pressed to the glass, watching for their father to come home. The joy doesn’t wait until the door opens, it’s alive in the waiting, fueled by the certainty that Dad is on the way. That’s the joy Paul calls us to, living as if God’s promises are already unfolding, because they are.
Next, Paul says, “Be patient in affliction.” Patience in pain is never easy. Waiting rooms in hospitals, long nights of uncertainty, or seasons where prayers seem unanswered test the very core of our faith. Yet patience is not passive. It’s a quiet strength that says, “I will not give up, I will not quit, because God is still on the throne.” Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, patience is the choice to trust God even when the flames lick at our feet.
Finally, “Be faithful in prayer.” Why? Because prayer ties hope and patience together. Prayer keeps hope alive when the waiting gets long. Prayer fuels patience when affliction wears us thin. Prayer isn’t a last resort, it’s our first line of strength. Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s will, His timing, and His power.
Put together, this verse is a survival kit for every believer. When the future feels uncertain, cling to hope. When the present feels unbearable, lean on patience. And through it all, never stop praying.
Action Steps to Help on Your Journey:
Write down a promise of God that brings you hope, place it somewhere you’ll see today.
When frustration rises, take a deep breath and repeat this verse as a declaration.
Set a timer for three short pauses today, morning, noon, and night, where you stop and pray, even if only for a minute.
Today’s Challenge:
Refuse to let discouragement have the last word today. Instead, let hope, patience, and prayer set the tone for every response.
Lord, thank You for the hope that cannot be shaken, the patience that carries me through trials, and the gift of prayer that connects me to You. Help me live out Romans 12:12 today with joy that shines, patience that endures, and prayers that rise like incense before You. Strengthen my heart, and let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12 (NIV)
There’s a reason Paul places these three commands side by side. They are like three strands of rope woven together to keep us steady in life’s storms. Alone, each is strong, but together they form an anchor for our soul.
Think about the first: “Be joyful in hope.” Hope is not wishful thinking. Biblical hope is the confident expectation of God’s goodness based on His character and His promises. Imagine a child standing at the window, face pressed to the glass, watching for their father to come home. The joy doesn’t wait until the door opens, it’s alive in the waiting, fueled by the certainty that Dad is on the way. That’s the joy Paul calls us to, living as if God’s promises are already unfolding, because they are.
Next, Paul says, “Be patient in affliction.” Patience in pain is never easy. Waiting rooms in hospitals, long nights of uncertainty, or seasons where prayers seem unanswered test the very core of our faith. Yet patience is not passive. It’s a quiet strength that says, “I will not give up, I will not quit, because God is still on the throne.” Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, patience is the choice to trust God even when the flames lick at our feet.
Finally, “Be faithful in prayer.” Why? Because prayer ties hope and patience together. Prayer keeps hope alive when the waiting gets long. Prayer fuels patience when affliction wears us thin. Prayer isn’t a last resort, it’s our first line of strength. Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s will, His timing, and His power.
Put together, this verse is a survival kit for every believer. When the future feels uncertain, cling to hope. When the present feels unbearable, lean on patience. And through it all, never stop praying.
Action Steps to Help on Your Journey:
Write down a promise of God that brings you hope, place it somewhere you’ll see today.
When frustration rises, take a deep breath and repeat this verse as a declaration.
Set a timer for three short pauses today, morning, noon, and night, where you stop and pray, even if only for a minute.
Today’s Challenge:
Refuse to let discouragement have the last word today. Instead, let hope, patience, and prayer set the tone for every response.
Lord, thank You for the hope that cannot be shaken, the patience that carries me through trials, and the gift of prayer that connects me to You. Help me live out Romans 12:12 today with joy that shines, patience that endures, and prayers that rise like incense before You. Strengthen my heart, and let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Embracing the New ThingBe TransformedPleasing God, Not PeopleThe Power of Repentance and BaptismThe Power of Forgiveness and LoveLiving in the LightSharing the Good NewsRecognizing and Worshiping the Son of ManStand Firm, Unmovable, AboundingThe Power of TogethernessResting in God’s RhythmThe Greatness of GodHeld by His HandLoving Beyond LimitsSowing RighteousnessThe Danger of Self-RelianceHeld by His HandProclaiming His Glory to AllHonoring One Another In LoveHidden TreasureTrusting God’s PlansThe Treasure of the KingdomStay Alert and Be PreparedGuarding Against GreedA House DividedYou Are the Light of the WorldEars to HearAll For The OneThe Beginning of WisdomUnashamed of the Gospel
February
Drawing Near with ConfidenceDaily Bread and Daily TrustEvery Good and Perfect GiftA Call to BlessingWalking by the SpiritStrength in the Lord’s RewardThe Power of Your WordsLiving in the Grace of GodOvercoming Evil with GoodPerfect Peace in an Imperfect WorldFrom Death to LifeOvercoming Evil with GoodResting in God’s WorkA Friend Who Loves at All TimesThe Lord Delights Over YouGo Into All the WorldImitating What Is GoodStrength in WeaknessBe Still and KnowTake Heart in Troubled TimesGuarded by God’s PeacePursuing PeacePeace That Cannot Be ShakenLiving Out the Law of LoveBlessing the Poor, Honoring the LordSinging of God’s Strength and LoveWorthy, Worthy, WorthyA Vision of Heaven’s Multitude
March
Go and Make DisciplesBe Strong and CourageousChoosing the Path of LifeUnchanging in a Changing WorldRedeemed by GraceWalking in Step with the SpiritPutting Faith into PracticeGo and Tell the Good NewsDwelling in the Shelter of the Most HighBehold, the Lamb of GodTo Live is Christ, To Die is GainSwallowed by GraceFor Such a Time as ThisSeeking Wisdom from GodBe MercifulA Heart That Seeks GodExtending Mercy to the DoubtfulThe Word Was GodThe Knock at Your Heart’s DoorThe Sacrifice That Pleases GodSharpening Souls TogetherMade for RestA Way OutApproved and UnashamedAll InClothed with CompassionLove That CoversRoots That Never Run DryRemain in MeThe Great ExchangeGod at Work Within You
No Comments