Romans 12:12 CSB Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.  

[05/12/2023 IPhone 14 Pro Max] 

The moment I arrived at Rome Ciampino airport, I remember stopping at the airport McDonalds to get a pistachio MCflurry (pistachio is my favorite ice cream flavor) as that is not something you see every day, as good as it was, I couldn’t wait to arrive in the heart of the city and try some authentic gelato while walking the ancient streets, getting a chance to tour inside the Colosseum, and visit the places where Paul was historically prisoned. 

Tracing Paul’s Footsteps in Rome // A Brief Overview 

• Journey to Rome (Acts 27-28): 

• Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and, as a Roman citizen, appealed his case to Caesar. This led to his journey to Rome by ship, which included shipwrecks and miraculous survival. 

• In Acts 28, Paul finally arrives in Rome after many hardships. 

• Paul’s Imprisonment in Rome (Around 60-62 AD): 

• Paul was placed under house arrest in Rome, living in a rented home but chained to a guard (Acts 28:30-31). Despite this, he continued preaching the gospel boldly to all who visited him. 

• During his imprisonment, Paul wrote what are known as the Prison Epistles: 

• Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon, and one of my personal favorites of the shorter Epistles, Colossians 

Despite The Apostle Paul being under house arrest, his faith remained unshaken, and he continued to preach the gospel until he was ordered to continue his sentence (and final days) at the Mamertinum Prison where he was tortured, shackled like an animal, naked, hungry, and awaiting execution. There are no details about Paul’s trail, but we do know he had an appeal scheduled with the emperor, we can presume that he did appear before him. Paul was eventually martyred, executed by beheading in Rome by the order of Emperor Nero. 

I can imagine Paul under horrific conditions writing the words in what would be in Philippians 1:21: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” 

Here is a guy who has been through so much trials, he’s been shipwrecked (mentioned earlier,) bitten by a venomous snake, wrongly imprisoned, and persecuted, yet despite this his attitude is – well if you kill me, I will be with Christ, if you don’t kill me, I get to live out my purpose and spread the Good News of Jesus. This win-win attitude is immensely powerful, and you can tell where his foundation lies. I recently came across a fascinating study mentioned in J.P.’s book, Your Story Has an Enemy. Scientists created a biosphere—a perfect, controlled environment with ideal soil, sunlight, and water—to see how trees would grow. At first, the trees flourished, growing rapidly. But shortly after, they began to fall over. The reason? There was no wind in the biosphere. Without the resistance of the wind, the trees’ root systems never strengthened. They grew tall but lacked deep roots, and the slightest disturbance caused them to collapse. 

This is such a vivid picture of how adversity shapes our faith. Just like those trees, our spiritual roots grow deeper when we face challenges. Without life’s “wind”—the trials, hardships, and afflictions—we might grow quickly, but we won’t grow strong. Paul understood this profoundly. After enduring shipwrecks, imprisonments, and constant persecution, he still declared in Philippians 1:21, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” His foundation was firm, unshakable, because it was rooted deeply in Christ. 

This brings us back to the heart of this post and the verse that’s been etched in my mind throughout this journey: 

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 (CSB) 

Paul did not just write these words from a place of comfort—he lived them. And like Paul, our faith isn’t tested in perfect conditions but in the storms of life. It’s through hope, patience, and persistent prayer that we build a faith strong enough to withstand anything. 

Some of my favorites from Romans: 

• Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 CSB // I love this verse, If you want to see a change you have to be it. Be the light of the world, so GOOD. 

• Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves Romans 12:10 CSB 

• Romans 8:28 CSB We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 

I could go on, honestly the book of Romans is that good. 

Walking through the ancient streets of Rome gave me more than just a taste of incredible food and awe-inspiring architecture—it gave me a deeper connection to the heart of Paul’s writings. Standing where he stood, seeing the city where he preached, suffered, and martyred, reminded me that faith isn’t about avoiding hardship but embracing it with courage and conviction. 

Paul’s journey through Rome wasn’t marked by ease, but by unwavering purpose. His life challenges us to look at our own journeys—whether we’re navigating literal travels or the everyday ups and downs of life—and ask, “How am I living out my faith today?” Are we rejoicing in hope, patient in affliction, and persistent in prayer? The scriptures state clearly that we are to pray without ceasing. 

No matter where you are in the world or what challenges you face, the hope we have in Christ is unshakeable. Whatever trials you’re facing in your personal life, remember this: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” With roots grounded deeply in Him, there is no storm that can uproot us. May your faith be strengthened, your hope renewed, and your heart anchored in the unchanging love of Christ. 

What challenges or ‘winds’ in your life have helped strengthen your faith? How have you seen God’s timing and purpose unfold in unexpected seasons? Please share in the comments! 

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