Hope, Tribulation and Prayer Romans 12:12

Paul the apostle told the believing people in Rome to be, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord”, and in chapter twelve and verse twelve of Romans, Paul shares with his believing readers about, “hope”, “tribulation” and “prayer” where we read:

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

The verse begins, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;” Paul began with the word, “rejoicing” which means “being exceedingly glad” “in hope” or “in expectation of good”; “patient” which means “remaining, tarrying, abiding and persevering” “in tribulation” or “in pressure, affliction, distress and straits”. Paul instructed his believing readers to be “exceedingly glad” in their “expectation of good” while “persevering” in their “trials and afflictions”.

The verse goes on to say, “continuing instant in prayer;”. Paul continued with the words, “continuing instant” which means “adhering and being steadfastly attentive” “in prayer” or “earnest address to God”. Paul's believing readers were also to be “steadfastly attentive” when “addressing” God.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see more brief instructions concerning Christian living. Christians are to “be exceedingly glad” and “expectant” for “good things”, and they are to “persevere” in their “trials”. They are also to be “steadfastly attentive” in their “solicitations” and “addresses” to God. All this possible when a person receives Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord” and then, “rejoicing, patience and continuing” in “hope, tribulations and prayers” become a natural part of Christian living.

Next time Paul instructs his believing readers in Rome to be, “given to hospitality” and “distributing to the necessity of saints”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.