stephen R Harrison

Joy From Jesus: Day 3

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

I’ve had a Saturday morning tradition for the last couple of years. I’ve met with a group of guys to pray, study the Bible, and grow spiritually. We’ve seen God do a lot in each other’s lives as we’ve spent meaningful time seeking Jesus together. Some of them have faced grief, divorce, prison, and addiction. Some have struggled with huge sins that should have wrecked their families and careers. We’ve studied the book of James, 1 and 2 Kings, books on being godly men, and more. We’ve walked each other through recovery, reconciliation, and renewal. There’s not much we wouldn’t do for one another – a band of brothers in Christ. I love my Saturday morning disciple group. 

We met today and prayed for this new year. We asked for prayer for discipline, fatherhood, loneliness, healing, and joy. We’re committed to each other in prayer. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” In Christ, our disciple group brings all three. I left today with joy, knowing there were faithful men of prayer walking patiently together in the joyful hope of Jesus. We need ambassadors of hope. We need others to patiently walk with us through our struggles. We need faithful prayer partners. This brings great joy.

I’m excited about the next 51 Saturdays! 

Who are you walking with in hope, struggles, and prayer? How does the consistent presence of faithful friends bring joy?