constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], Romans 12:12 AMP
Just like yesterday's thoughts, hope is a very key word in my earthly journey. Without it, there is nothing to look forward to. Without it, the promises of God have no anchor in my heart. The reason why I can rely on God's grace to weather the storms of life is because of the hope that greater days are ahead. Even Paul wrote those immortal words in 1 Corinthians 15:19 AMPC: If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. There has to be more to my life than what this present earthly phase has to offer.
So as I wait for the manifestation of all that God has promised me, what is the prescribed code of conduct? What is expected of me, as I keep my gaze on the One who is able to bring me into the place He has prepared?
1. Constantly rejoicing: I note that it does not promise me that my external circumstances will always align with the requirement to rejoice. No matter what the external looks like, the internal must always reflect joy. It is not an off/on switch, used at will or at random, when I please, but it must at all times be switched on. Joy isn't the absence of outer stress, but it is the presence of inner comfort. It is a Person who gives joy, not power, possession, position or prestige. If it were about account balance, people on the Forbes list would be the most joyous. Do I have the Person of Christ living in me, or am I all about optics and image? Who you have defines what you get and what you give out.
2. Steadfast and Patient in Distress: of course, there is always a lesson to learn in distress. How would I learn it if I do not stay the full course? How does God teach me all He needs me to know, if I do not submit to His leading and teaching, no matter how long the lessons take? As I wait, I learn patience and submission to God's will. There are things that God can take away, but He may not do so at the time I want Him to, not because He is powerless, but because there are eternal lessons in it for me.
It appears that the only way God can actually teach me patience and steadfastness is by distress. It is easy to claim that I will serve God when all is well around me, but life has shown that earthly comfort is lthe easiest way to become complacent and self-centered. When I know I am nothing without God, and that all I am is from Him, it leaves no room for pride. When I know that my life's fulfilment is tied to my total submission to Him, life becomes less complicated.
3. Devoted to Prayer: why do I pray? Is it to bribe God into doing what I want, or is it just to fulfil all legal righteousness; is it a sense of duty or as today's extract makes it clear: continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength? I pray, because I know I don't have all the answers, but the One I pray to does. I pray because I don't know what tomorrow will bring. My knowledge and my ability to impact or change things are limited, but I call on a God who has no limits. He is able to change situations, circumstances and people. There are many plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's counsel that will stand.
I continue to seek God's wisdom, because nothing of me can secure my tomorrow. I seek God's wisdom because He knows what tomorrow holds. I seek his guidance because I don't know how best to act in any situation; my way may seem right to me but only God knows where it will end. I pray so that He will guide me in the way I should go, so that I may get the results that He desires. And I pray for His strength to enable me hold on to God, no matter what comes my way. So many things will happen on your life's journey that no bank account balance or circle of influence can take you out of, but when you have God in you, there is a provision of strength, an abundance of wisdom, and a depth of guidance that will see you through all that life throws at you.
This is the foundation of the hope that is birthed in my heart. This is the reason why I can look forward to the experiences, no matter how dire. I don't have all the answers, but I have God, and that is enough for me. I don't have all that I think I need now but I have all that really matters: God. When He is there, every other thing makes sense. When He is not there, it doesn't really matter what else you have or who else you know. Lord, keep my eyes on you alone. His time of favour is here.
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