Romans 12:12

‘Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer,'

Having spoken of the upward look (fervent in the Spirit, serving the LORD), Paul now considers the forward look by which Christians remain steadfast in the face of the future, thus maintaining the stability and strength of the church. We are to rejoice because of the hope that is set before us, we must patiently endure in whatever tribulation comes to us, and we must continue steadfastly in prayer, recognising that we can put all in His hands. The way ahead for God's people will not be easy. That is why we need to walk step by step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) with our hearts fixed on the goal, that is on the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). This is our ‘hope', that one day we will be with Him (1 John 3:1). And it will enable us to face all that the future holds, as we recognise that tribulation counts for nothing in the light of our glorious future (Romans 8:17; Romans 8:23). Note that in Romans 8:26, where the Godward side was being considered, it was the Spirit Whose intercession on our behalf in the face of tribulation was to prevail. Here it is we who must continue steadfastly in prayer. Both are necessary if we are to prevail, with our prayer being sustained by His.