Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 12
We do not usually expect people to have joy during their troubles. However, God’s people can and should be different. They do not, of course, have joy because of their troubles. Their joy is because of the good things that God is doing in their lives, even during their troubles (8:28). In other words, their joy is because of their hope.
In the Bible, hope does not mean something uncertain, like luck or chance (Hebrews 6:19). God’s people put their hope in God, in the certain knowledge that he cannot disappoint them (8:31-39). In the end, he will certainly do all that he has promised to do for them (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). So, their joy does not depend on their present circumstances; it depends on the promises of God.
However, God’s people may still suffer great troubles at the present time. The proper reaction to those troubles is not despair, but patience. In other words, even during the worst troubles, God’s people should stand firmly and they should continue to trust God (Hebrews 10:35-39). Their pain cannot last always, because God will rescue them. Even while it continues, he supports them (Psalm 23:4). He looks after them; he makes them strong.
Even God’s people will be weak if they constantly allow doubts and fears to fill their minds. Their strength must come from God, and not from themselves (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). That is why Paul taught Christians to pray much and often (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God acts powerfully when his people pray (James 5:16).
Next part: Christians should be eager to help other people (Romans 12:13)
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