Hey everyone!
There seems to be so many bleak messages in today's news. We read about violence filling our schools, wounding or killing our precious children and the men and women who are devoted to educating our young people. The Democrats and the Republicans cannot get along and we, the American People, are the ones who lose. It seems someone is always so easily offended and unrest is common in our culture. Adults, teens, and even children have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression. Where can we find hope? What does the Bible, the Good News, tell us to do in these troubled times?
Romans 12:12 says Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. That verse gives us three commands: rejoice, be patient, and continue to pray. Let's look at each section of that verse individually. How can we put this verse into practice? Are we capable of doing these things in today's world? Why rejoice, be patient, and keep praying? Shouldn't we be doing more?
Rejoice in hope. Hope is something we want but do not have. Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? We are to rejoice in our salvation. We are saved through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We still have to live in this world and face the many trials and difficulties of this life. We are to rejoice in the hope of our salvation. We can face these challenging times knowing that our hope is in God and someday soon we will be taken to a much better place! Rejoice in the hope you have for your future and do not dwell on the sufferings of this present time.
Be patient in tribulation. This may seem impossible at times to be patient in tribulation, but we must exercise this fruit of the Spirit because we know that patience has a purpose. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. The Bible teaches us that these trials of our faith allow patience to work in us and when we are matured as Christians, we will be perfect and complete, and there will be nothing more that we need. We are all striving to get to that place and some mature quicker than others, but we must let patience do the work for us in these difficult times.
Continuing instant in prayer. The New International Version (NIV) says it like this: faithful in prayer. We are not to stop praying during these tumultuous times. God is still on the throne. He is in control. He knows what we need before we ask, but He wants us to ask in faith believing, without doubting, and then the Bible tells us that we will have the things we ask for. Ask for strength, ask for wisdom, ask for boldness, ask for a blessing, and believe that you receive it. Stay in direct communication with God. Praying does not just mean you give a laundry list to God and ask Him to start checking off the boxes. No, prayer is a sacred, holy communion with God where we can ask Him the things we desire, but we also get to praise Him for who He is and how wonderful He is. We get the opportunity to thank Him for all the many marvelous things He has done for us. We also have the open door to request forgiveness for those sins we commit knowingly and unknowingly. It is a time to be in His presence and experience His love and great mercy. This is a two way conversation where the Holy Spirit will hear and answer you.
Friends, it is easy to get discouraged in these last days. Many times I am tempted to give up on human nature as our society continues in a downward spiral. Then I am reminded that I belong to the Most High God and I will not be defeated. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. He is my Hope and my exceeding great reward. I will rejoice in hope that I have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. I will be patient in tribulation because I am walking by faith and not by sight. My circumstances do not determine my salvation. The status of this world today does not tie up the hands of my great God Jehovah. He is still bigger, mightier, and more powerful than any evil force of darkness and He will prevail. I will continue instant in prayer, with words of praise and adoration and thanksgiving on my lips at all times. I will bless the Lord and I will not forget the many wonderful kindnesses He has done for me. I will remember the times of healing, performing miracles, and blessing me more than I deserve.
Let's strive together to walk in unity. Let's pray for one another and encourage each other as we all look to Heaven, our home. God is great and mighty and powerful. We serve the Risen LORD and we must keep our eyes on Him and rely on Him now more than ever before. Do not give up. Do not give in. Do not compromise. God is greater!
God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
Friends, it is easy to get discouraged in these last days. Many times I am tempted to give up on human nature as our society continues in a downward spiral. Then I am reminded that I belong to the Most High God and I will not be defeated. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. He is my Hope and my exceeding great reward. I will rejoice in hope that I have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. I will be patient in tribulation because I am walking by faith and not by sight. My circumstances do not determine my salvation. The status of this world today does not tie up the hands of my great God Jehovah. He is still bigger, mightier, and more powerful than any evil force of darkness and He will prevail. I will continue instant in prayer, with words of praise and adoration and thanksgiving on my lips at all times. I will bless the Lord and I will not forget the many wonderful kindnesses He has done for me. I will remember the times of healing, performing miracles, and blessing me more than I deserve.
Let's strive together to walk in unity. Let's pray for one another and encourage each other as we all look to Heaven, our home. God is great and mighty and powerful. We serve the Risen LORD and we must keep our eyes on Him and rely on Him now more than ever before. Do not give up. Do not give in. Do not compromise. God is greater!
God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
