Recipe for Christian Living

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

This verse contains a recipe for successful Christian living. The first ingredient is hope, which we are to cling to with joy. The two go hand in hand. When we realize the hope — or the promise of good things — we have in Christ, we can’t help but feel joy in our hearts. ❤️

The second ingredient is patience, which we apply through all the afflictions we encounter. Our human nature urges us to be short-tempered and difficult during tough times, but God wants us to show patience even when it’s hard. He wants us to wait for His perfect timing and trust Him.

Finally, we add the most important ingredient, which is prayer. We are to pray continually. God wants to be involved in every moment of our lives. When we include each of these three ingredients, we will find strength, joy, and peace in His presence.

Dear Father, thank You for this recipe for godly living. Help me to include each ingredient in my life, in the correct amounts. Amen.

Extracted from 180 devotions for when life is hard, Renae Brumbaugh Green

Image: Cala on Unsplash