BE…PATIENT IN AFFLICTION
(Romans 12:12).

I bless you to be patient in affliction…adversity…distress.  Wait patiently for God to deliver you from your torment.  Do not become impatient and turn to evil, harmful ways, or destruction, for “those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction” (Job 36:15).

BE…FAITHFUL IN PRAYER
(Romans 12:12).

I bless you to be faithful in prayer, during your affliction.  Call upon the God of all Comfort instead of wallowing in your sadness.  Appeal to the God who takes care of your yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows, instead of drowning in anxiety.  Cry out to the God whose Power is sufficient, instead of being destroyed by your own weakness.  When you feel faint, whisper these words, in faith: “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice” (Psalm 55:17).

BE JOYFUL IN HOPE
(Romans 12:12).

I bless you to be joyful in Hope, because Hope will not disappoint you.  Expect God’s Answer with confidence.  Await God’s Solution with anticipation.  Look forward to God’s Provision with gladness.  Therefore, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

THEN YOUR FATHER, WHO SEES WHAT IS DONE IN SECRET, WILL REWARD YOU
(Matthew 6:6).

How do you respond to affliction…adversity…distress? Are you patient, waiting for God to speak to you and deliver you? Are you faithful in prayer, believing that God hears your voice? Are you joyful in Hope, trusting that God will do what He promised?

When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He was perfectly patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, and joyful in Hope. God sent the Spirit of Jesus to live in your heart. Let Him teach you these virtues from the inside out.

PRAYER: Thank you, Perfect Father, that You sent the Spirit of Your Son into my heart to teach me to be patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, and joyful in Hope.  How good to know that I do not have to master these skills by my own strength, but that I can allow You to live these qualities in me and through me.