I Smiled...

Scripture for consideration: Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

I usually read from the NKJV of the bible, however, I really loved the way the NIV worded this verse. It doesn't really matter what version of the bible you use, it all says the same thing. I just like the wordings of different versions for different verses (which is why I own so many different bibles).

I was awakened suddenly at 6 by JD (my youngest son). As I sat up, I smiled. I was taken back by the oddness. It's not "normal" for me to feel so peppy first thing in the morning- at least not recently. I got JD a bottle and as I sat feeding him I started thinking about my verse choice for the day. I opened my heart and mind to what God was trying to tell me. Overwhelmingly, I knew that I was to be joyful and hopeful that things would be great- no matter what afflictions came my way. That's when it hit me. Romans 12:12. I was so happy to receive this today! I especially needed the "faithful in prayer" part of this verse, as I have been having problems trusting and being faithful in the hope that God will answer my prayers. I know that in order for our prayers to be heard, we have to believe and have faith that our prayers will be answered.

This verse is also important because my family is going through a bit of a rough patch. We're struggling to pay bills, I'm fighting off an infection, battling crippling depression, issues with my reproductive organs, and debating my entire belief system and learning that what I thought I stood for, are things God wouldn't stand for. It's a hard pill to take. This verse tells me to take it all in stride. To be joyful in hoping for better, patient while hard times are here- to keep praying, and have faith that the Lord is hearing those prayers and working to answer them at the right time.