Hoping and Praying

It’s easy to be hopeful when we’re having a positive experience, or when God has given us insight into something that is about to happen. But we’re still prone to discouragement when things don’t line up with our expectations.

That’s the contrast expressed by Paul in Romans 12:12. He tells us to rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction. In all things, though, we are to maintain a prayer life. There will be moments of difficulty that cause us to question God. But as the writer says, it’s important to keep a posture of patience; patience for the reward, for the promise, and for the challenges to cease.

And we’re urged not to complain. If we’ve learned anything from the Old Testament, it’s that complaining doesn’t get us far. In fact, it can slow us down and delay getting back to the expected hope God has for us. Instead, we’re instructed to be constant in prayer. Our steadfastness in prayer produces amazing results for us. God causes everything to work together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Are you committed to being more hopeful and prayerful? At times it can be challenging to stay in this posture, but when we do, we give God the opportunity to move in our situation and the situations of others. We’re better able to endure through the hard season until we can get back to joy. Consider your commitment to hope and prayer.