How should a Christian respond to difficult circumstances?

God thankfully does not tell us the future! A worldwide pandemic with the lockdown of the economy is followed by riots, brutality and the breakdown of law and order. These are certainly strange and difficult times. How should we respond to difficult circumstances? Once again the answers are found in God’s Word.

Romans 12:12-13 says, “Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:12-13 details five godly priorities in the midst of difficult circumstances.

First, we must “rejoice in hope.” We often say, “I hope it will be good weather today.” The Bible uses the word hope differently. The biblical term hope is always desire plus certainty. Our hope is our future. Our hope is not uncertain. Every believer in Jesus has a great and glorious future. We are going to see God’s glory and we are going to share God’s glory.

Revelation 22:4 says, “They will see His face.” One day we are going to see God’s glory. We are also going to share God’s glory. Romans 8:17 says, “If indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” We are going to experience God’s glory. This is possible because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Difficult circumstances are a reminder that this world is not our final destination. This life is simply the front porch of eternity. We are going to a place that is much better. We must rejoice in our future.

Second, we must “persevere in tribulation.” The word perseverance or persevere is the Greek word hupomone. It means “to remain under.” We have seen the great Olympic weight lifters. They snatch the massive weight above their heads. With every muscle quivering and straining they remain under the load. We are called to persevere. We must not give up. In God’s strength we can persevere.

Vince Lombardi said, “Winners never quit.” Winston Churchill said, “Never give in. Never, never, never, never… except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” We must persevere! This is not the time to quit.

Third, we must be “devoted to prayer.” Our business or task must be praying for others. Jesus prayed often. In John 17 He prayed for His disciples and for future believers. Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane before His death. On the cross He prayed for those crucifying Him. When the sins of the world were placed upon Him, He prayed to His Father.

We must pray to God. Prayer is simply talking to God. Our God is never too busy for us! Pray for peace and safety. Pray for the spiritual growth of those around you. Mature prayer does not focus on our own needs but on the needs of others.

Fourth, a fourth godly priority is “contributing to the needs of the saints.” Needs speaks of physical needs. We all need food, clothing and shelter. We must help others whenever possible. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Fifth, we must “practice hospitality.” Hospitality means “the love of strangers.” Matthew 25:31-46 is a very famous judgment. It is known as the sheep and the goat judgment. The basic premise is simple. A follower of Jesus demonstrates his or her salvation by helping others. Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in…” (Matthew 25:35). As we serve others (especially the Jewish people) we are serving Christ Himself.

It’s easy to become confused in the fog of war. God’s instructions for us are clear and straight forward. Jesus said that the greatest commandment in the Old Testament is to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:36-39). We are commanded to love God (rejoice in hope and persevere in tribulation) and we are commanded to love others (be devoted to prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality).

It’s time for each of us to stand up and make a difference. Difficult circumstances are the black velvet backdrop that allow our light to shine even more brightly. Every day is an opportunity to serve God and others. Let’s live for His glory!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake