Read: Romans 12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (v. 12)
Life comes with struggles. As we acknowledged in yesterday’s devotional, we live in a fallen and sinful world. Some struggles are a result of our own sinful decisions or actions. Other struggles may be a result of something another person has done, a natural disaster, an illness, or other undeserved circumstance. In John 16:33, Jesus taught, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Today’s verse calls us to “be patient in tribulation” (Rom. 12:12). When trials come our way, will we respond with anger, resent God, blame others, or choose patience? It is hard to be patient in the daily rhythms of life, when we are stuck in a line, dealing with slow traffic, or wondering why the person who said they’d meet us is late. It’s even more difficult to be patient when we’re serving as a caregiver, enduring treatments ourselves, or praying for someone to turn their heart to Jesus.
Patience is one of the nine “fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5:22-23. First Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that “love is patient” and “kind.” We need God’s help to be patient. We can be empowered by the Holy Spirit to develop and strengthen our patience. Tribulations will come in this world. Will we patiently trust in God to act, and will we show love to those around us in the midst of the frustration?
As you pray, ask God to give you patience in the midst of the struggles you are facing.
Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Directors.
