Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Keep it together!
Have you ever seen anyone unhinged? How about someone so out of sorts they can’t compose themselves? How about someone so angry they begin to hurt themselves.
Ken Giles of the Astros had a meltdown and the world saw. While pitching against the Yankees, he gave up a three run homer and was so upset with himself that he punched his face repeatedly as he walked to the dugout. And he had more hissy fits with himself in the dugout. He may regret that later. I don’t know, it may be in line with the rest of his life.
In Romans, Paul gave compelling arguments for the cause of Christ that anyone would want to know more about this gift of grace. He also gave some downright practical advice to the believer in the fight they would surely be in from day to day. Suffering and persecution were not a “if” to Paul and believers of that day. They were a “when”.
In life’s struggles, Paul said, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” In other words, “Keep it together!”
In and through everything, no matter the weakness, loss or struggle, know the hope to which we stand. Be joyous in that hope. In the afflictions and sufferings that are sure to come - listen, they come to everyone, no matter their faith in Christ or not, so we should be able to stand more secure and strong - be steadfast and persevere. And have it all glued with consistent prayer.
Don’t punch yourself in the face, nor anyone else or that matter - be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Keep it together!
Peace,
Paul