Enduring in Turbulent and Tragic Times
Risk, uncertainty, insecurity, and danger can evoke significant concern. “What will happen to the believers? What will happen to the ministry? What will happen to us?!”
When Paul writes to the Church in Rome, Rome is on the brink of persecution and societal upheaval; Jews have been expelled, and scrutiny towards Christians is increasing. Just as Paul’s letter to the Romans helped prepare them for the coming devastation and persecution they would face under Nero, Romans has helped the church throughout history prepare for turbulent and tragic times.
After over 7,000 words detailing the marvelous mercies of God in Christ for His church, Paul begins chapter 12. Paul now instructs us on how we should think, feel, and act in light of the mercies of God in Christ.
In verse 12, he writes:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (ESV)
These short imperative statements are not suggestions. They are survival graces required for perseverance and critical to displaying the excellencies of God.
Rejoice in Hope
Our joy is naturally anchored to comfort and pleasure. When a crisis hits, the natural reaction is depression or panic. Neither helps the Christian persevere in the faith, nor do they declare God’s excellencies. Instead, Paul reminds the church in Rome to anchor their joy in hope.
In view of the mercies of God, rejoice in hope! This is not a seen and realized hope; it is the security of what has been promised by God and accomplished by Christ.
Rejoice in the hope of:
peace with God through justification, in Christ.
being freed from the law and from the power of sin, in Christ.
sharing in Christ’s inheritance.
the nearness of Abba Father.
the persistent power of God’s love.
final salvation and future glorification.
the resurrection and the new creation.
the constant indwelling and help of His Spirit, now and forever.
tribulation working to your favor in Christ.
Rejoicing in hope is neither naivety nor escapism. It recognizes the visible reality but places its hope in what is not seen, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rejoicing in hope is a bold loyalty to Christ’s kingdom. When missiles land and violence erupts, rejoicing in hope confesses, “History is not random. Evil does not overcome. Jesus reigns supreme.”
Be Patient in Tribulation
Being patient means not giving up when under the pressure of tribulation. Paul instructs us to endure tribulation with patience, remaining under the pressure without collapsing spiritually.
First, what are some ways we give up? Second, how can we possibly endure?
Here are some ways we give up, escape, or faint under the pressure of tribulation:
We pacify our anxieties with lesser pleasures, comforts, and sins.
We abandon convictions about loyalty and faithfulness.
We become cynical and self-centered.
We become impatient with God and trust our own devices to accomplish our goals.
Giving up, escaping, or fainting is a detriment to our faith and a barrier to giving God glory.
So how can we endure faithfully in the toughest of times?
Real Joy. Constant Prayer.
To endure in tribulation, we must utilize the grace of joy as we consider the sufferings of Christ and hope in all He has secured for us.
To endure under tribulation, we must utilize the grace of prayer. Constant prayer. Praying about everything. Never ceasing.
Constant in Prayer
Because of the magnificent work of Christ on our behalf, we can cry out “Abba Father,” and draw near to His throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in the time of need.
Today is the time of need.
When violence is near. When leadership fails. When security vanishes. When support dries up, draw near to the throne of grace.
Make your request known to God, with thanksgiving, rejoicing in hope, considering the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints, remembering the power that is at work within you.
Pray about everything. Without ceasing. Tell Him all you see and all you need. Cast all your anxieties on Him. He cares for you.
He knows what you need. His arm is not short. He is working in history for his purpose, to the praise of his glorious grace.
Be patient in suffering, and you will one day, like Job, see that the whole time, even in the time of your greatest distress, God was compassionately and mercifully working everything out for His perfect purpose and your greatest good.
Lastly, reach out to others and remind them of God’s very great and precious promises, that by them we may become partakers of the divine nature.