“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

When you read this simple scripture closely you begin to see the Christian life within it.  The hope of Christ is our very foundation.  It was because of what he did on the cross that we have hope at all.  In Christ I am a new creation who is no longer bound by the world but now has become a Son of God just like he was a Son of God on earth, and the same peace and joy that was upon him is now upon me.

The hope that I have is magnificent.  Not only do I have a hope for a better life here on earth, but I have an eternity to come where there will be no more suffering, no more sorrow, no more death or mourning or pain (Revelation 21:4).

Without Christ there was no hope when the pain came, but now when pain comes I don’t focus on it anymore.  I know that these old things will pass away and all things will become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  In the midst of my sorrow hope arises because I know that what I am suffering is producing a crown of righteousness upon my head.  I know that the pain is killing something in the old nature and that the nature of Christ is taking its place.

And when the patience of Christ is in my heart, and affliction does arise, great strength comes to me because I do not grow weary or impatient.  I consider my impatience but then grow past it and instead of becoming angry I grow in longsuffering.  Yes, the pain and sorrow and depression and anger try to attack me, but with the help of Holy Spirit I look past it and into the eyes of the King of Peace, who assures me that this too will pass.

Prayer also becomes my greatest weapon against all the pain and lack of knowledge in my life.  I pray endlessly for assurance but also for the knowledge to live according to his word.  He opens my eyes through prayer and even teaches me to pray his prayers.

There are so many times that a question arises in my head that I do not have an answer for, so  I assume that this must be a question from the Lord and begin to pray it back to him.  He opens my eyes to see in ways I never even imagined.  The hope that comes to my heart when I hear him and see him is beyond description.

Before you know it you have walked many miles with him and look at those who do not believe in wonder.  He shows himself so strong to you, and yet, there are those that are faithless all around, that don’t believe that God can speak, let alone heal, let alone deliver or let alone bless and favor a life.

And then prayer becomes more of a weapon against the darkness all around.

You begin to cry out for faith to increase and for those that do not know him to experience a marvelous encounter of the Holy Spirit.  You pray that they will have a vision or a dream that will strengthen them, for them to become everything they were meant to become in Jesus Christ the Lord.  You pray for visitations in people’s lives, and then regions and then cities and then nations.

And before you know it your hope in Christ has been spread abroad to many hearts and you have prayed for many broken people.  They cling to you because of the hope of Christ that is in you.  They grip you and shed tears near your feet because you have become a tabernacle, a dwelling place of the Lord Most High.  He is always kind, always merciful and gracious to the sinner and when they see his reflection in you, they become undone.

On this 8^th day of the 12:12:12 fast, would you ask the Holy Spirit to show you how He would grade you on these three qualities?

• Joyful in Hope
• Patient in Affliction &
• Faithful in Prayer

So…how did you score?