Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

         Do the troubles of your world ever seem overwhelming?  That's the goal of Satan.  We need to say as Jesus did to Peter in Matthew 16:23 "“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”   When Satan tries to take over our thoughts and feelings, we must recognize that they are not what Christ wants for us.   We must "stand against his wiles and depths, by standing always upon our guard against sin."  [M. Henry]

         From a friend, "Does life feel rocky for you? I know that struggle all too well, but God is greater than our circumstances! I love how God weaves different people into the tapestry of our lives. He’s a good Father."

"Be joyful in hope." To believers, hope is a confident expectation in Christ's promises, resurrection, and return. No matter what troubles we go thru, we can be joyful by trusting in God to do what He says, He will do. There is so much joy to be found in the character of God.

"Be patient in affliction."  We will all suffer heartaches, injuries, disappointments, lack, rejection, and sickness.   Affliction reminds us that this world is not our home.   God has prepared a place for believers that is so great, we cannot fathom it.  To suffer for Christ is a privilege and we should feel honored by that call to do so.

         "Be faithful in prayer."   Prayer is our always available, effective and powerful connection to God.  There is no one better to whom we can take our troubles to, as well as give thanks to for who He is and what He has done.  While we pray for things to happen in our lifetime, we must recognize that our faithfulness to prayer isn't dependent on being answered on our timeline.  We pray for God's will and in His timing.

           As for myself, I am for the most part a positive and joyful person.  That joy comes from the confidence I have in God.  Every struggle is working for my good and knowing that makes them easier to bear.  My patience has grown tremendously through my afflictions.  My trials haven't been easy, but it is God's will for me.  For me to bring Him glory through my struggles is my obedient calling.  I have struggles that are both seen and unseen, but God is most glorified by how I react.  Do I lean on Him or my own understanding of what's happening to me?  Prayer is my lifeline for everything.  When the world has walked away, betrayed me, and turned it's back on me..God has always been there to listen, guide me and love me.  "Therefore I do not lose heart. Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed day by day. "