The Gift of Perspective - Advent Devotional Day 18

Scripture
“Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you're in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.” - Romans 12:12 CEB

Reflection
The Christian experiences the same world that everyone else experiences. They smile with delight at the birth of their nephew.  And they’re filled with anxiety at that child’s first steps.
Their knuckles explode with pain when the wrench slips.  And their hands bleed, the skin becomes callused and cracked from use.  
 
The bitter cold of the winter wind bites into them on a frozen Tuesday afternoon when up on the roof making repairs.  And the blistering hot summer sun beats down on their neck when patching the parking lot or pulling weeds.
 
They feel the same pressure to buy more, have more, consume more.  And they feel the same sting of exclusion because of social and economic class distinctions built into the culture – no matter where they spend their time on Sunday mornings or Saturday nights.  

They feel the same concern over their loved one’s medical condition.  And feel the same pain when they lose a family member.

Even though the Christian experiences the same world as the person who never bends their knees and never bows their head (never acknowledging God), the Apostle Paul teaches us that we have been given a gift -- the gift of perspective.  

Paul wrote “…We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-5 CEB  
Later, Paul wrote that we can find freedom from angst and distress by doing these simple things: “Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you're in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.”  -Romans 12:12 CEB

We can choose to find hope in all things, in all circumstances. And not just hope, but happiness and joy.  A hope that is born from a faith in Christ.  In salvation – not as a reward for actions or for service, but as a gift granted by grace.
 
And through constant prayer, we can renew hope and find the strength to become and remain patient, persevering through our troubles, afflictions, sadness, and pain.  Presenting our requests to God in all situations, good or bad, with gratitude and rejoicing is the gift of perspective we’re given this season.

Prayer
Gracious God,
I needed you, and you were there for me. Thank you for every bit of love, mercy and grace that was shown to me - though I did not deserve it. Forgive me, and please grant me the strength to forgive. Thank you for your faithfulness even in my suffering. Please open me up to your Word, and please open up your Word to me. And please allow me to be useful to you. To you alone be the glory. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.