Stories from Nick Vujicic, Bethany Hamilton, & Corrie ten Boom about Hope, Patient in affliction and being Faithful

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

Joyful in hope: 

This aspect of the verse focuses on finding joy not in present circumstances but in the certain future promises of God and the eternal perspective. 

Story:
Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs, a condition called tetra-amelia syndrome. Growing up, he faced incredible challenges, bullying, and despair. Yet Nick’s life is a powerful example of being joyful in hope. Despite his physical limitations, he chose to focus on the hope he had in God’s purpose for his life. Nick went on to become a motivational speaker and author, spreading a message of hope, joy, and faith worldwide. His joy was not based on what he had or didn’t have but on the hope that God’s love and plan for him was good.

Bible Verse:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12 (ESV)

Patient in affliction: 

This encourages perseverance through hardships, trials, and difficulties, trusting in God's purpose and timing. The original Greek word for "patient" implies enduring or persevering. 

Story:
Bethany Hamilton is a professional surfer who lost her left arm in a shark attack at age 13. Instead of letting the tragedy stop her, Bethany patiently worked through physical therapy and training. The road was long and filled with pain and setbacks, but she remained patient and steadfast. Within months, she returned to professional surfing, showing remarkable resilience. Her patience through affliction inspired millions and demonstrated how trusting God’s timing and plan can lead to triumph.

Bible Verse:
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.”
— James 5:7 (ESV)

Faithful in prayer: 

This calls for constant and persistent communication with God, relying on Him for guidance, strength, and provision. 

Story:
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. She was eventually arrested and sent to a concentration camp ( Kamp Vught). Despite the harsh conditions, Corrie remained faithful in prayer, even forgiving those who persecuted her.

While they were imprisoned at Ravensbrück, Betsie and her sister began to discuss plans for founding a place of healing after the war. Betsie's health continued to deteriorate, and she died on 16 December 1944 at the age of 59.^[16] Before she died, she told Corrie, "There is no pit so deep that He [God] is not deeper still." Twelve days later,^[1] Corrie was released. Afterward, she was told that her release was because of a clerical error and that a week later, all the women in her age group were sent to the gas chambers.^[6]: 240

After the war, she became a renowned speaker and writer about faith and forgiveness. Her unwavering prayer life sustained her through unimaginable suffering and helped her carry God’s peace to others.

Bible Verse:
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)

Context and meaning: 

• The verse is a conclusion to the preceding discussion in Romans about how Christians should live in response to God's mercy, particularly in the context of the "living sacrifice" lifestyle of serving others and God.
• The three phrases serve as a framework for a Christian life characterized by enthusiasm and focus, mastering emotions to remain joyful in the hope of eternity and patient in the struggles of the present.