Patience
Today’s Scripture Selection: Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
Sometimes I like short sermons that come right to the point. I can only imagine how many times my listeners have wished I would have done that.
The verse above, written by the apostle Paul, is short and sweet – and full of wisdom.
We are to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
That’s it – sermon over – now get on with it.
If only it were that simple.
I am sure Paul knew how difficult following these simple instructions could be. But he also knew what a difference it would make in his readers lives if they would only do it.
Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs. Sometimes we are so joyful, sometimes we are so despondent, most of the time we are somewhere in between.
But wherever we are – Paul gives us the essential things onto which we must hold: hope, patience, faithfulness.
And he gives us the means: prayer.
Maybe it becomes even clearer by reversing the order of things just a bit:
“So be patient, stay hopeful, and above all pray!”
I know, that’s my translation, and it’s always a little dangerous to come up with our own version of the Scriptures.
But I hope I haven’t missed the mark too much.
Life can be tiring and exacerbating. It can also be wonderful.
And I believe the way to patiently make our way through it all is solidly connected to hope and faith; or, in other words, solidly connected to GOD.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stay patient and hopeful, always connected to you, in prayer. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 