Nov 24 – THREE COUNSELS !

“rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…”(Romans 12:12).

Through the above verse, Holy Spirit is giving us three invaluable counsels. This verse clearly instructs us on how a Christian should remain in hope, in tribulation and in prayer.

Firstly, rejoice in your hope. The people of this world place their hope on things such money, wealth, and level of influence. But all these will prove to be unreliable just in a moment. Therefore, place your faith hope only on the Lord.

Psalmist David says: “Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed. I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God” (Psalm 22:4,5,10).

If you trust Lord Jesus, mercy shall surround you (Psalm 32:10). Be joyful in this trust. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord (Psalm 84:12).

Secondly, be patient in your tribulation. Every person born on this earth, has to go through tribulation. Everyone irrespective of social standing, level of education, has to go through the path of tribulation. We should never think that Christians are completely free from problems or tribulations. The Lord Jesus Himself cautioned: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer…” (John 16:33).

You should learn not to terrified but to be patient in the face of tribulations. Because, if you were to tremble in fear, it will only please Satan. It is only the path of tribulation that leads you to heaven. Therefore, be patient in your tribulations. Apostle Paul also advises us to continue in the faith, as we must enter the kingdom of God, through many tribulations (Acts 14:22).

Thirdly, be steadfast in your prayers. You should never become weary of praying. You should persevere and be committed in your prayers. Our Lord gave the parable of persistent widow, to explain how we should be steadfast in our prayers. And in the end of that parable, we also see how she was able to obtain justice, through her persistent pleas, even from such an unjust judge (Luke 18:5). Dear children of God, never forget that every prayer is answered by God.

Verse for further meditation: “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).