Epic Family,

It’s easy to stay engaged in something for a short amount of time. But how do we stay engaged in something over a long season? I think about this question often, as we’ve been in our current reality for quite some time. I was recently reading Romans 12:12, and it gives us three clear directives for staying engaged in a lengthy season.

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

Be joyful in hope. I have discovered that joy and hope go together. Over the last seven months, there have been times when I’ve had more joy than at any previous time in my life. It has been a gift for me to truly learn that my joy doesn’t have to be based on circumstances. I don’t fully understand everything about how this has happened for me, but I do think it has something to do with hope. When my hope is present, joy isn’t far behind. But our hope can’t be tied to having to have restrictions lifted or a vaccine given or to a certain election outcome. Our hope must be anchored to something more steadfast. Jesus said that he wants his joy to be in us and for it to be a complete joy. If joy is lacking, make a list of 5-10 things every day that you are still grateful for.

Be patient in affliction. It’s hard to wait when life is hard. I know we’re all going through a lot and you may be going through even more than the rest of us. I don’t know what you are waiting for, but I pray it comes soon. Perhaps it’s a job. Or some healing you need in your life. Maybe you need reconciliation in a relationship. Whatever it is, know that you aren’t waiting alone. God is with us in the waiting. He has compassion on us as we suffer. It’s in these seasons that God is able to build our perseverance and make us mature in our faith. Don’t lose heart!

Be faithful in prayer. Do you believe that anything is possible for God? If you’re like me, you’ve been praying for the same things for quite a while. When we’re tempted to quit praying, let’s stay with it. What if breakthrough is right around the corner? Invite God into your everyday moments. Ask Him to move on your behalf and on behalf of those who are on your heart these days. Ask for His direction for your life. Ask Him to build your character, even in this difficult moment in time.

We are in this together. Let’s fight for joy. Let’s wait on the Lord. Let’s be steadfast in prayer.

Much Love,