(With appreciation to Pastor Tim Johnson for illuminating one of my favorite Bible passages.)
This is the first Bible verse I memorized on my own. In addition to the instructive text, I was intrigued by the repetitive nature of 12:12 in the chapter/verse designation. Imagine my joy when realizing that 3 4-word phrases revealed a passage with just 12 words.
The phrases of this verse were presented in reverse order. Starting with Prayer moving through Suffering and culminating with Hope.
Pastor Tim also used a translation of this verse which put the noun before the verb in each phrase. And so the meaning was enhanced for me even further.
In prayer be prevailing.
In suffering be patient.
When we have trials there are two choices …
1-push God away
2-draw near to the Father
In hope be joyful.
Joyful = expecting (anticipating)
The series of 3 messages ended with this confessional thought which will become the focus of my meditative moments for a long time to come … Have I lost my expectancy about what God is birthing?
I may have more to elaborate on at another time, but for now I am grateful for a new perspective on a favorite passage.
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