Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

Hope, Patience, Prayer

There are three commands in today's reading. Notice that it starts with the word "Be." It's a command to be like or do what follows. 

First, the Bible is saying to be joyful in hope. It's important to note that joy is coming from hope and not from other temporary things like money, pleasure, or fame. It is hope that should make us happy. 

The second thing we should “be” is patient in affliction. Notice again that it doesn't say patient when everything is going great but rather, in affliction. One of the characteristics of true faith is the ability to keep calm in the middle of opposition. 

Then finally, we should be faithful in prayer, meaning we should be continually praying. Prayer is simply an expression of dependence on the Lord. This should mark the life of every Christian. 

 These three commands could each almost be their own sermons. But let's again take each and apply them. 

The first: we should be happy because we have hope. Jesus came and gave us hope. Yes, things can get bad on this earth, but Jesus gives us hope today and then for tomorrow and eternity. Is this how you view life?

The second: be patient when life is bad. We often can't help what happens to us, but we can help how we respond to it. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the same patience Jesus showed us on the cross. He patiently endured the punishment of the cross for us. When things don't go your way how do you respond?

Finally: are you faithful in prayer? One of the biggest challenges can be to have a consistent prayer time. Hopefully, you've been on track with your daily prayers during this devotional so far! Keep with it and faithfully pray for those who need it.

Divide up these three categories and pray that God would help you in each area. Then take five minutes to pray for those who are needing to be strengthened in these areas. 

This is a moment to focus on the Lord and eliminate distraction. It involves finding a place away from the noise of life. It means moving our thoughts away from the "to-do list" and placing them on the Lord. It means taking five minutes just to think about the goodness, faithfulness, and love of Jesus in our lives. 

Prayer: Jesus today I want to receive from you. I want to sit at your feet, so to speak, and learn from you. Speak to me today. Show me your ways and guide me along your path that I might experience who you are in a greater way. Help me to soak in your Word today and be changed for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen!