EXERCISE YOUR FAITH

Scripture lists three commands that help Christians successfully navigate this lost and dying world. Emotional and spiritual well-being in the midst of chaos is the blessed result of heeding their counsel.

We are told to ... Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

1. JOYFUL IN HOPE - Man tends to dislike being told what to 'feel' (or that he needs an 'attitude adjustment'). That is not the intent of this admonition. It is knowing and declaring that you indeed have reason to rejoice, the promise of future glorification ... We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:23-24)

2. PATIENT IN AFFLICTION - Abiding in Christ causes you to fix your eyes on future glory instead of today's hardship. Paul is not downplaying the real pain and struggle you experience in life, but reminds us that it is but for a moment compared to eternity ... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18(

3. FAITHFUL IN PRAYER - You will be strengthened and upheld by God's mighty hand when you regularly come before the throne of grace ... Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

These are all tightly intertwined ...  

Jamieson - Each of these exercises helps the other. If our 'hope' of glory is so assured that it is a rejoicing hope, we shall find the spirit of 'endurance in tribulation' natural and easy; but since it is 'prayer' which strengthens the faith that begets hope and lifts it up into an assured and joyful expectancy, and since our patience in tribulation is fed by this, it will be seen that all depends on our 'perseverance in prayer'.

Exercise your faith and reap the benefits ... 'Just do it'.