“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.”
-Romans 12:9-13
Have you ever wondered to yourself–how much more can I take, or why me God? There have been so many trials and tribulations in my life. Some examples are–my family’s 14-year-old neighbor girl who babysat for my kids was killed by a drunk driver; almost 4 years to the date, later, my paternal 87-year-old Grandma was killed by a drunk driver. Then came my cancer diagnosis followed by surgeries, several rounds of chemotherapy and 35 radiation treatments, with 10 years of meds to follow. A divorce after a 35-year marriage. Being a medical power of attorney for my elderly widowed uncle who suffered a stroke and needed to be placed in assisted living, then the nursing home and then placing him into hospice and planning his funeral. And my 36-year-old nephew committing suicide. There were so many trials that I came face to face with, and sad, lonely days along the road of life. This is where Romans 12:12 has come into action for me. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” I have had to learn so much about being patient, trusting, keeping hopeful, and finding glimpses of joy in simple everyday life situations–a pretty sunrise, beautiful flowers, a baby’s giggle, my dog chasing it’s tail, seeing wildlife or just listening to a loon’s call. God gives me hope in our creation and has taught me patience, trust, and has helped me keep my faith in him. Believe, hope, joy, love, and prayer have remained consistent in my daily life. Remember to keep God’s eternal promise steadfast in your life to help sustain you during trials and tribulations. God is Good! Prayer: God, you are our hope and help in every day, in every situation, in all of life. Help us to feel and trust your loving care no matter what. Help us to find hope and joy all around us. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Written by Lori Rehnblom