Be joyful in hope

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 NIV

In an article titled Why marathon training is never wasted, ultra runner and sub 2:30 marathon runner, Robbie Britton, said, "Marathon training can make you extremely fit, whereas the race itself can be quite destructive and leave a runner needing time off for recovery. So a marathon training block without the race at the end will leave any athlete in a really strong position." He went on to say that having a spring race canceled or postponed might be disappointing at first but in the long run it might just produce a number of fall PBs (Personal Bests). "It’s a fantastic foundation on which a strong autumn marathon could be built." How's that for a reason to remain joyful?

And you know, in this time of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 virus, millions of people will be finding it hard to remain joyful... and with good reason. You see, many individuals have put their hope in the things of this world--their home, their cars, their stock market accounts, their hobbies, etc.--things that are seemingly changing by the minute causing their emotions to change as well. But those who have put their hope in Jesus--who was the same yesterday, today and forever--can remain joyful even when going through the most uncertain of times because they know the hope they have placed in their eternal future is secure. God never changes and neither do His promises!

So if you're feeling disappointed, worried or even hopeless today, take heart my friend. This world is not all there is. This situation won't last forever. And our lives are never wasted when we give them to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have that can never be shaken, changed or taken away. Cause us to remember this Lord every time we are tempted to give in to fear or sadness over the events taking place in our world today. And please remind us that staying joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer will not only serve to make us cheerful but will have an impact on all those around us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I have this hope - Tenth Avenue North