(Read Romans 12)
I’ve learned from being a Christian that nothing happens by accident. Even the most random events are pre-ordained by God’s intricate plan. Atheists not only don’t believe in God, but they also don’t believe there’s any meaning in life. With this thinking, our existence has no purpose, design, or moral direction and consequences. With this thinking, our dark world is even darker.
I’ve been writing these devotionals for almost seven years, and some amazing things have been revealed to me during this time. A few weeks ago, a college friend texted me out of the blue to let me know how much he appreciated a recent devotional. I write them out of personal mission, not for accolades or recognition, but it’s always good to know that people sometimes find them uplifting. Last week, I texted my friend (B) a picture of Psalm 71, which I had just read during my quiet time.
“Your text was great timing for me,” (B) replied. He went on to describe that his wife was in the hospital again. “I’m walking through some fires right now,” he said. I knew she had problems, but I had no idea their extent. “I’m in the hospital with (L) for the third time in less than a year. She’s got a very complicated set of health issues.”
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
Psalm 71
This beautiful psalm by King David has always given me hope and confidence and renewed my faith. When I first read it, I thought of several family and friends to share it with, and (B) was among them. “Thanks for checking in, my friend—nothing is by accident. The Holy Spirit has been hard at work.”
From the outset of this Psalm, David’s complete trust in God is obvious. God’s righteousness offers life-saving power and hope. David confesses that his strength is not from himself but from God. His use of metaphors, like rock and fortress, highlights his faith that God is a fixture of secure and reliable refuge. The Psalm employs imagery of steadfast endurance and finishing strong in faith.
(B) briefly described his wife’s medical condition. They’ve been through hell and back. Her history tested them, strengthened them, and refined them. “It all started 30 years ago with a diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma in the second trimester of (L)’s pregnancy with our second child. It has now progressed to MS, heart issues, and a complex mix of health issues all as a result.” I’m sure it was comforting for (B) to hear from a long-time friend during their recent crisis, but I believe the promises of Psalm 71 cast a much brighter light. “I look for the joy in the struggle,” he added.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
(B) told me that they have a sign with John 16:33 hanging in their doorway as a constant reminder of Christ’s saving Grace. “I see it every time we leave the house.” Having peace in Christ doesn’t mean puppy dogs, lollipops, and flowers. It doesn’t mean no war or violence. It means all-encompassing Grace—unmerited Favor. It is not something that can be earned by human efforts or good works; it is freely given by God out of His love and mercy. We didn’t pay for it, Christ did.
Only grace explains how (B) and his wife can persevere, live righteously, and exemplify faith to others. It’s not head-in-the-sand blindness to their reality that keeps (B) and (L) pressing on; it’s the enduring strength and promise of Christ’s Salvation. Grace empowers believers to live according to God’s will no matter the circumstances. It provides the strength and guidance needed to live a life that honors God, and it’s then when we can fix our yoke to Christ, lighten our load, and ease our burdens.
When I first reconnected with (B) after 20+ years, he attributed the power of his endurance to the Holy Spirit. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will teach and remind us of everything Jesus said. The Holy Spirit can get us through anything (John 14:26). “I see the power of the LORD in my marriage and my children. It gives me such hope,” he continued. We have as strong of a marriage as possible, but sometimes when I feel down, the LORD reveals that He put me with her because I’m equipped to help, care for, and love her.”
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13
Welsh Evangelical minister Martin Lloyd-Jones said in a sermon that being joyful in hope, “means having the right view of life in this world. Christians should not expect much from this world and should look forward to the world to come.” He added that “Christians should not be surprised by trials and tribulations. They should expect them. Trials teach us about ourselves, others, and strengthen our faith.”
In Romans, Paul encourages believers to have a deep sense of happiness and contentment from knowing and trusting in God. We have hope that is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation of what God has promised. God is in control and has a plan for the future. Through all the difficulties, Paul urges us to remain steadfast and not to lose heart, trusting that God is with us. Romans 12:12 is a call to Christian believers to maintain a positive outlook through hope, be patient through our afflictions, and remain devoted to prayer. These adaptations to the highest and lowest parts of our lives will allow us to grow, rebound, and bend toward our eternal future as a flower bends toward the sun.
“We all have something right? Joyful in the struggle,” (B) responded to my question about the status of their faith. “She’s kind of smothered by the disease. Romans 12 has been pivotal, especially 12:12.” I mentioned to (B) that I was so grateful they have faith to help power them through this storm. No one can fight this kind of adversity for so long by themselves. They’re not alone, and they know it.
(B) wrote, “We are on day six in the hospital. (L) has taught me a lot about who I really am, and it’s like God is shaping me through being the caregiver. At times, I struggle with empathy and this really makes me seek first to understand. We are praying for a bed to open in a good skilled nursing facility near our house, where many of our assisted living church members also live.”
His wife is now alert and can spend brief periods in a chair. “She is doing better. She’s approved to go to rehab. Praise the Lord!” (B) and his (L) aren’t alone in their crisis. The power of prayer and the mercy of God are holding them close. Without the grace of God, they wouldn’t have their faith. Grace might be a little word, but it tells a big story.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Ephesians 2:8
Key Applications:
- Start your day with a short prayer and a moment of gratitude. Reflect on the hope you have in God.
- When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pray for patience and strength.
- At the end of the day, reflect on how you applied these principles. Thank God for the hope, patience, and faithfulness you experienced.