Seeking Spiritual Renewal
Maintaining Spiritual Fervor
March 22, 2026
Scripture: Romans 12:12
There once was a man named Randy Lo – his friends just called him Lo. Lo became a Christian, giving his life over to Jesus. After some time, his walk with the Lord went from being fervent in spirit to becoming stale. Lo became quite discouraged, and his discouragement led to him losing a lot of sleep. One day while having lunch with a friend he expressed his discouragement saying that he didn’t feel that God was around him anymore, and this disturbed him so much he could hardly get a wink of sleep. His friend being a wise and mature Christian encouraged Lo not to give up but to again pick up his Bible and search the Scriptures – he suggested starting with the Gospel of Matthew. Lo went home and decided to take his friend’s advice. He found his Bible and started reading. He read chapter after chapter, one hour, then two hours. Discouragement became even more overwhelming as he started to read Matthew 28. He wasn’t getting a word from the Lord. Finally, on the last sentence in the Gospel of Matthew, Mathew 28: 20, the Lord Jesus spoke to him. Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. That night Lo slept quite soundly.
At various times in our Christian walk, we struggle. We lose our zeal or spiritual fervor. Last week, we looked at Romans 12:11 where Paul encouraged us to Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Now, living a fervent life is not easy because there are going to be all kinds of difficulties. Our zeal for the Lord, our spiritual fervor, might disappear because of numerous reasons such as stress, discouragement, failures, grief, conflict, bitterness, being overworked, financial worry, or a broken relationship. So many people lose their passion for Christ when the trials and the discouragements of life come their way. They let the issues get to them and they give up. They fall into apathy as they put on the attitude, I don’t care.
In verse 12, Paul gives three insights into how we might hold onto a fervent spirit as he writes, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Now let me note this. In many ways these three aspects, joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, are interlinked/intertwined. Scripture repeatedly links hope, affliction, and prayer. For instance, Romans 8:23-27, Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
So, let’s break down each of these characteristics. Paul instructs us to be joyful in hope. It can also be translated be rejoicing in hope!
The Bible instructs believers to rejoice even during trials. Paul while in prison wrote, in Philippians 3:1, Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you. He repeats the command to rejoice in Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
James 1:2-3 states, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Scripture instructs us to have joy even in the trials of life. We might not be happy about the trial, but we can rejoice because we have hope. We are to be joyful in hope. Okay? What does that mean?
The Apostle Paul had addressed this topic earlier in Romans. In Romans 5:1-5, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Please note verse 2, we are to exult in the hope of the glory of God. God offers a hope that is everlasting life in the glory of heaven in the presence of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the hope of being received into the presence of God and enjoy the glory of heaven for eternal life. Then verses 3 and 4 indicate that God also uses trials to develop our character and a hope. This hope does not disappoint. It gives joy even in difficult circumstances.
So, we need to set our minds on the things above. As Colossians 3:1-4 says, Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Romans 15:13 states, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God is not a God of despair or discouragement. He is the God of Hope!! The key to have hope is to trust in the God of Hope! When we trust in the God of hope, we can have a joy that rises above the circumstances of life.
One of the world’s most celebrated composers, Ludwig van Beethoven, was facing a devastating reality: he was going deaf. By his mid-40s, Beethoven could barely hear at all. And yet, he kept composing. Not simple pieces, but some of his most complex, emotionally rich, and powerful music came after he lost his hearing. His most famous work? The Ninth Symphony, known for the final movement: “Ode to Joy.” But here's the part that stirs your soul. He composed that masterpiece in total silence. He couldn’t hear a single note of it. And yet he wrote music celebrating joy, unity, and hope. At the symphony’s premiere in 1824, Beethoven stood on stage, completely unaware of the thunderous applause that erupted behind him. A soloist had to gently turn him around so he could see what he could no longer hear.
What does that say about hope? Beethoven wrote joy he could no longer hear. He trusted he could compose music of joy, even though he could not hear it. That is what hope in God’s promises is like. You may not feel the joy yet. You may not “hear” the answer to your prayers. The promise is still unfolding. Even in your silence, God is composing something beautiful.
The Apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:16-18. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
So, let us also trust in the Lord and be encouraged by as Romans 8:28, 29 states, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Take to heart that God is good all the time.
Principle 1: Maintain your spiritual fervor by rejoicing in hope!!
If we have joyful hope, we can persevere in affliction. This is what the Apostle Paul instructs in the second part of verse 12, patient/persevering in affliction.
An athlete will endure the pain of training. Why? Because it is the hope of attaining victory! A college student will endure the hardships of study and examinations. Why? It is because of the hope of getting a good grade and later a successful career. The early Christians endured persecutions, pressing on in their faithfulness to Christ? Why? It is because they believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the joyful hope of their inheritance in heaven!
Now, the word, patient/persevering, comes from a Greek verb meaning to remain steadfast or to stand your ground. It is to keep pressing on, enduring, being faithful to the Lord, even though it is severe circumstances.
The Greek word for affliction refers to events that bring pressure upon your mind and heart, which tend to get you down or crush your spirit. We are to persevere or endure in doing God’s will even in facing affliction.
As Hebrews 12:1b-3 notes,…..Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
As we go through difficulties of life, let us run with endurance fixing our eyes on Jesus. He set the example for us in his willingness to do His Father’s will even to the point of death on a cross. If we take to heart His example, then we will not grow weary or lose heart.
One of my favorite movies is Chariots of Fire. The movie is based on a true story about Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. Eric Liddell was an Olympic runner for Scotland. He later went on to become a missionary.
Liddell sees running as a way of glorifying God. Even though his sister wanted him to promptly be a missionary, Liddell felt led by the Lord to run for Him. He felt divinely inspired when running, and that not to run would be to dishonor God, saying, "I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."
In the movie and based on historical facts, one year before the 1924 Olympics, Eric Liddell ran in a meet between England, Ireland, and Scotland at the Stoke-on-Trent in England in July 1923. He ran the 100-, 220-, and 440-yard events. During the 440-yard event, he got off to a bad start. There was a lot of shoving to get in front to the inside lane. Liddell got tripped up and tumbled to the track. For a moment he was dazed. Then, he jumped to his feet and took off after the pack, which was now twenty yards ahead of him. In a quarter mile race, that's a huge distance to try to make up especially against other gifted runners. Yet, Liddell pulled into fourth place ten yards behind the leader, J. J. Gillies. With forty yards to go, he pulled into third place, then second. Right at the tape he passed Gillies, stuck his chest out, won the race, and collapsed to the track in total exhaustion. Medical personnel had to assist him off the track that day. An article appearing the next day in The Scotsman newspaper said, "The circumstances in which Liddell won the race made it a performance bordering on the miraculous. The people, including some former Olympians, were unanimous in the opinion that Liddell's win in the quarter mile was the greatest track performance they had ever seen.
There are times in our life when we get tripped up, knocked down, or simply fall, life is full of affliction. Yet to persevere in affliction is to pick ourselves up and run the race the Lord has called us to do. This is not going to be easy. Yet we do it for his glory!
Here is the second principle. Maintain your spiritual fervor by persevering in affliction.
Then Paul writes at the end of verse 12, be faithful in prayer! Paul instructs us to be faithful or diligent in prayer. Now, prayer is a key to rejoicing in hope and persevering in affliction. As Luke 18:1 notes we either pray or we give up. Prayer is an act of faith, an act of trusting the Lord. So, faithfulness in prayer is essential!
Yet many Christians struggle with his/her prayer life. Polls have indicated that the American Church is not a praying church. Most American Christians do not pray. We have our programs. We have beautiful buildings. Yet prayer is a precious commodity! Our churches lack prayer. Prayerlessness is a toxic poison that is killing the American Church and culture.
We need to recapture the importance of prayer. As II Chronicles 7:14, states, If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Jesus was diligent in prayer and strongly encouraged his followers to pray. After Jesus says in Luke 18:1, that we ought always to pray and not lose heart, he tells a story. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:2-8).
The early church devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42). The Apostle Paul states in I Thessalonians 5:17, Pray without ceasing.
Colossians 4:2, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Philippians 4:6, 7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Persistent prayer aligns our hearts with God's will and invites His peace into our lives. Through prayer, we find strength to persevere in hope and overcome every trial. God works!
For centuries, people have claimed that prayer brings peace, clarity, even healing. But now, neuroscience is catching up—and offering proof. Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, wanted to understand what happens in the brain when people pray. So, he did something remarkable, he scanned the brains of people engaged in deep, intentional prayer and meditation.
The results were stunning. When someone prays regularly, particularly with focused attention, their brain changes. Areas related to stress and anxiety—like the amygdala—quiet down. Regions tied to empathy, focus, and compassion become more active. Even the frontal lobes—the decision-making center—light up.
Newberg’s conclusion? “Prayer is not only a spiritual practice—it’s a neurological one.” He discovered that long-term prayer reshapes the brain, increase emotional resilience, and even help people manage chronic pain or trauma. In other words, prayer doesn’t just touch Heaven. It rewires Earth—inside your very own mind.
This is what Scripture has hinted at all along. Romans 12:2 tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Prayer is part of that transformation. Not only does it invite God’s presence into our lives—it reshapes the way we think, feel, and respond to the world around us.
Here is the third principle. Maintain your spiritual fervor with a faithful prayer life.
Oh, how I pray that you will maintain your zeal, your spiritual fervor for the LORD! Life can be discouraging, but as we apply rejoicing in hope, persevering in affliction, and faithfully praying, we will want to honor and glorify the Lord!
Let me close with this story! Nancy Ortberg tells the following story. I worked as a registered nurse for about ten years before my life took a different direction. One of my earliest patients was a young girl of about 14 who had been in a dirt bike accident. I met this young girl down in the physical therapy department. She was in a whirlpool bath. I had read her chart before I went down to work with her and had learned that because of the accident, her leg had been amputated below the knee. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to be a 14-year-old girl with part of your leg missing. I introduced myself, and we made some small talk. Through the course of our time together, I learned that she was a follower of Christ, although she really didn't say much about that. I was not prepared for her spirit, however, especially when she lifted her freshly amputated leg up above the bubbling water for me to see and said, "Look at how much I have left!" She excitedly told me that since the doctors were able to amputate below the knee, it was much easier to fit a prosthesis. She wondered how long it would take to heal so that she could get started with that. I heard most of what she was saying, but I wasn't really paying much attention. My mind was fixed back on the "look how much I have left!" Her gratitude seemed genuine. She knew she was missing a good part of her leg, and she wouldn't have chosen that. But she was so very thankful for this bit of good news. Her spirit made my spirit soar that day. And I had two good legs.
Hebrews 12:28 says, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God." Our gratitude, our thankfulness, is a way in which we worship God. We can sing, and that is worship. We can say thank you, and that is worship. And that day in the hospital, the gratitude of a 14-year-old girl moved me.
May you never lose the zeal, the spiritual fervor to honor, to be thankful, to worship and serve the LORD!
Let’s pray.
