“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their need. Pursue hospitality.” Romans 12:12
How many fingers do you have on your left hand? Five…I hope! Look at each one of them because they can be your ongoing reminder of God’s “marching orders” for us not just for surviving but thriving in these days!
1. “Rejoice in hope.” Put your thumb up…👍 The mark of a mature believer is not that things are okay in their life, but rather that they are okay when things are not (James 1:3-4). Today, stir up rejoicing and hope in your own heart. Here is one practical way to stir up rejoicing…write down 10 reasons to be thankful today. Do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day.
2. “Be patient in affliction.” Point to the sky with your “pointer finger”…☝Spiritual growth does not happen in one day, but it does happen daily. None of us chose the “affliction” that comes to us, but we can choose how we respond to that affliction. Remember that the Lord redeems affliction to make us more like Jesus…because He loves us (Hebrews 12:3-11).
3. “Be persistent in prayer.” Stretch your hand out in front of you and see that the tallest is your middle finger. It stands out above the rest. We will not be able to follow number 1 and 2 without doing number 3! Our urgent need for joy, hope, and patience will either drive us to despair or to dependence. The temptation will be to numb the pain of the affliction with mindless entertainment (and there is plenty of it on Netflix, YouTube, and social media!), but doing this will only deepen the despair. Instead, unplug. Get alone. “Cast your cares on him, because he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).
4. “Share with the saints in their need.” Your ring finger is reserved for expressing your most important relationship…past, present, or future…👊 It is a mysterious truth that our greatest comfort in pain can be comforting someone else in pain. The greatest antidote to fear is faith-full-ly serving someone else. Here are some ways to do so…
· Be a “Buddy” for someone who needs to stay home, and get groceries, medicine, and other necessities.
· Call others who are physically and relationally isolated and share a Scripture passage and a prayer with them.
· If you are out of work temporarily, you can use your time to help pack and/or deliver food through Meals on Wheels.
5. “Pursue hospitality.” Make a fist. Your little finger may seem insignificant, but it completes your grip and allows you to hold on…✊ The little acts of hospitality that you show to others in line at the grocery store may seem insignificant, but they could bring strength to someone else!
Our mission is to joyfully live and lead others to a Jesus-shaped life! Every time you look at your five fingers remember your five ways to thrive in a Jesus-shaped life today!
Think These Things 