BIBLE STUDIES FROM CHURCH LEADERS - JAYNE JONES
Romans 12:12 ESV
If ever there was a verse for the days we are in, it is this one! We could almost think it was written especially for our current situation, but we know that people have faced great trials and tribulations throughout history. We also know that God was with them, sustaining them by His word, just as He is with us now.
Rejoice in hope . . .
As followers of Christ we know that our hope is in the steadfast love of the Lord - in God Himself (Psalm 147:10-11). We have experienced his intervention in our lives so often and known his faithfulness to us which has brought us through all manner of difficulties. Even when things didn’t work out the way we might have wanted them to, we can look back now and see God at work to bring the best outcome for us in the end. We absolutely know that ultimately, when our time on this earth is over, our home will be with Him forever and that death is not to be feared (1 Peter 1:3) This is not a new, wobbly or flaky hope - we have a history with this and a solid knowledge deep down that our hope is not in vain because our hope is in the Lord. This is certainly something for us to rejoice in and be thankful for (Rom 15:13)
We also know that to be without hope is a dark and desperate place. This is where many of our friends, relatives, neighbours and colleagues are at right now. Let’s ask God to show us how to pray, that they might hear God calling their name and put their trust in Him.
Be patient in tribulation . . .
Waiting patiently for the Lord is an active rather than a passive thing. It means not wasting your energy raging against a circumstance you can’t change but continuing in faith and determination to do what you can do to help yourself and those around you each day. Engage with God as we look to Him and know that He is our champion, He is all powerful and He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine!
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Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
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Psalms 27:14
“This is no time for fear, this is a time for faith and determination” Twila Paris
Be constant in prayer . . .
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Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (
Colossians 4:2
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We have never had so much opportunity to spend time in prayer and it has never been more necessary than it is now. We are so grateful to those who have devoted themselves to training as doctors, nurses and scientists as they lead the care and response to this current situation. These are specialist workers that we need because only they can do what they do. As the church, we also have our own vital specialist role to play and it is our responsibility to do it - to engage with God and seek His intervention, to pray for miracles and intercede for our world. This is something we can all do, our very practical contribution
Lord we thank you that your word gives us clear guidance on how we should respond to extremely difficult circumstances, but that we aren’t asked to do this in our own strength. Thank you Lord that your Holy Spirit empowers us, lifts us and guides us, that we might really shine for you in these days. Amen
Jayne Jones