‘‘Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” Romans 12:12

It is hard to find and hold onto hope when faced with difficult circumstances. A family whose only son dies for example can find it hard to rejoice in hope over the death of the son especially when the parents will no longer bear children. But even though it is difficult to rejoice in hope we must also understand that the process of finding hope and staying hopeful can only be achieved when we take a joyful approach. Remember that being joyful in hope means choosing faith in every situation and trusting in God. No matter what circumstances we encounter in this fallen world, we can experience joy in hope because joy is based on our relationships with the God who offers us hope.

The 3 points below are among the many reasons why God tells us to rejoice in hope.

1. Your condition is not your conclusion (2 Kings 20:1-6)

Everyone is permitted to fight his/her own battle. Everyone can face challenges or misfortunes, but the conclusion is, God will never allow bad news to be the last news. Remember the case of Hezekiah in 2 Kings 10:1-6 who rejoiced in hope and got victory in his predicament.

2. Hope is a spiritual virtue with unlimited power for growth (John14:12)

Everyone has unlimited capacity for growth, but it takes hope to plunge into it. So, if you can use the spiritual virtue of hope you will make impact in life.

3. Hope is a spiritual currency that holds the same value anywhere in the world (James 1:5-6)

It can purchase anything God has in stock for you. Whatsoever belongs to you will come to you by faith if only you believe and work towards it. This spiritual currency doesn’t need exchange rate and doesn’t depend on inflation or a country economy for it to work for you. All you need is to apply it wherever you find yourself and it will work.

Conclusively, if we want to rejoice in hope we have to:

1. Be patient and prayerful (Romans 12:12)

2. Give and forgive (Romans 12:13-14)

3. Show love and humility (Romans 12:15-16)

God bless you.