The True Grit Podcast | Episode 11 | How to Rejoice in Hope | Romans 12:12 Bite-Sized Biblecast

In this episode, I dig into Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” If you’re in a season that feels like the never-ending refining fire, this verse can feel like an impossible ask. Honestly, it can even feel like toxic positivity. So together, let's break down how to actually live it out. I share why rejoicing in hope and trusting God isn’t surface-level mental gymnastics but a faith-driven action. I talk openly about my own season of really freaking hard: single motherhood, legal battles, and the real way grief and hope can coexist. Along the way, I offer practical action steps to help you focus on gratitude, recognize God’s faithfulness, and let the hard things in life draw us closer to Him. If you need biblical encouragement that meets you right where you are (in less than 10 minutes!), this bite-size episode is exactly what your heart needs.

Ket Points with Timestamps:

1. Diving into Romans 12:12 (00:00):
   Romans 12:12 is explored as a call to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer—especially when walking through refining fire seasons.
2. Honest talk about hope (01:00):
   Praise isn’t about faking positivity; rejoicing in hope means remembering God’s real faithfulness and choosing truth over toxic positivity.
3. Pain and gratitude can coexist (03:00):
   Hard things don’t disqualify the presence of gratitude; it’s possible to mourn real losses while still finding hope.
4. Looking back to move forward (05:00):
   Reflecting on my story—like single motherhood and unexpected loss—reminds me how brokenness can become the turning point to deeper faith.
5. Cultivating biblical hope in practical ways (06:30):
   Journaling God’s faithfulness, drawing on church community, and hearing testimonies from others help ground my hope.
6. Preview of what’s coming next (07:30):
   A special prayer and phone wallpaper will be shared in upcoming parts two and three, with encouragement to tune in and keep building hope.

1. Romans 12:12, ESV
   “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
   This is the foundational verse of the episode and provides direction for enduring hard seasons.
2. John 16:33, ESV
   “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
   Hope comes from Jesus’s victory, not from easy circumstances.
3. Luke 12:6, ESV
   “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”
   Even struggles that seem small in comparison matter to God.

What's Next?

1. Take a few minutes to reflect on times when God was faithful in your own life. Write them down as Ebenezer stones
2. Talk with a friend or church community about your struggles; you’re not meant to do faith alone.
3. When you’re tempted to compare your pain, remember God cares deeply about what you’re facing - there’s room for both grief and gratitude.
4. Practice real praise: thank God for one specific blessing or answered prayer, even in a tough week.
5. Set a reminder to tune in for part two, where you’ll get a guided prayer and a free phone wallpaper to encourage your heart!

Topics:

• Romans 12:12 explained
• Biblical hope during trials
• Real-life testimony of faith
• Gratitude and grief coexisting
• Spiritual disciplines for hard seasons
• How to avoid toxic positivity

Resources:

• Free Guided Journal for Chaotic Seasons

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