Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:10-13, The New International Version

We have been in a long season of challenge with the Coronavirus. Today's verse gives us encouragement in times like these. Paul shares three things to do in times of stress and challenge.

The first is to "be joyful in hope." Hope is the confident assurance of a future that is bright because the Lord is sovereign over all. Our joy comes from knowing that the purposes of God will prevail even though we don't see them right now. We can be joyful in hope. This isn't wishful thinking, this is assured as a child of God.

The second encouragement is to be "patient in affliction." The word afflictions means to be squeezed. We have all been squeezed in many ways in this season. Be patient. The season will come to an end, and we will discover more of the Lord because of it.

The third encouragement is to be "faithful in prayer." The word faithful means "steadfastly attentive." The one thing we have learned in this season is to keep on praying things through. No matter how long the season, we are simply called to be steadfast. The Lord's answers are on the way.

So be joyful, patient and faithful. Those are words that build character and will carry us through the most difficult of seasons.

Here are our action plans today:

How is your joy? If it needs a boost, start focusing on the Lord rather than your circumstances. Know that He holds the future.
This season has certainly tried our patience. If you are on the edge, know that as you draw close to the Lord, He will sustain you.
Don't give up in your prayer life. Pray things through. The Lord is wanting to show you how He is involved in your life.

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Pastor Stuart