How to Hope in Christ During Trials

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

—Romans 12:12 (ESV)

I’ve always wondered how I would react when faced with real trials, real tribulation.

Would I have the faith of Daniel when he was thrown into the lion’s den (Daniel 6) or the endurance of Paul as he was rejected, beaten, shipwrecked, and thrown in prison over and over again? If I lived in a country like North Korea, Afghanistan, or Somalia, would I still put my faith and hope in Jesus and be willing to share that hope with others?

Maybe you are currently experiencing real trials and real tribulations even as you read this. In Romans 12:12, Paul (who went through a lot of trials) gives us three commands:

• • Rejoice in hope.
  • Be patient in tribulation.
  • Be constant in prayer.

Spend time alone with the Lord and speak words of praise and rejoicing to Him as you reflect on the hope you have in Jesus. Remember all God has done for us and how He sent His only Son to be our salvation. Ask the Lord to bring to our minds examples of His faithfulness and why hope in Him is so worth it.

Consider the trials you are facing. Look for evidence of how God is going before you and taking care of you through your tribulations. Write down what He reveals to you. Keep the list as a reminder of the goodness of God. Trust in God. He is trustworthy. Allow Him to help you grow in patience as He carries you through the storms of life.

Pray and lift up your cares and concerns. Ask God to lead you in rejoicing, to help you mature in patience, and to lovingly call you to pray each day as you travel tough roads. Lift up others who may be facing similar trials. Lean into the hope you have in Jesus and cling to Him in prayer.

Join together with other believers, pray together, and surround each other with love, encouragement, and hope.

Pray:

God, Thank You for the hope that we have in You. Thank You for the peace that passes all understanding that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7). Help us to cling to You today through the small struggles and the earth-shattering ones, because in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in this day, You are where we can find strength. Amen.