Romans 12:12

Scripture: 

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer ...  (NASB). 

Observation:

We stood there lined up against the fence. I don't know about the other boys, but I was hoping and praying. It was the first soccer game of the season, and the coaches hadn't told us who the starting players were. I had done all I could running the sprints, doing the exercise, giving all that I had each and every practice leading up to this game. It was out of my hands at this point. So I waited to see if I would hear my name read off the list of those who would start the game. It seemed like forever and then the announcement came. My name was not read off the sheet. I could have given up, spent the time on the bench filled with self-pity, but I chose instead to give sitting on the bench all that I had, just like in practice. I still had hope and prayed that the next game my name would be called. About the third game of the season, I heard my name. It was years later when I tried out for my high school team; I made that team and was named captain. I remember looking back at that first year I played that rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, and devoted to prayer had been the difference. So if you find yourself hoping for something, persevere and devote yourself to prayer, it will make the difference.    

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love.
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network.