For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” vss. 24-25
Romans 8:19-25
Paul’s letter to the Romans is not easily understood. He pours out his heart and his convictions about the new life in Christ, and many times his arguments seem forced and repetitive. He knows that the Spirit of God is at work in the world, and believes that ultimately the whole creation will see the glory of God and receive the benefits of salvation. What we have in the meantime is hope! And that means there’s no concrete evidence that any of the things Paul has promised will ever happen. Essentially that’s how it is for the entire walk of faith. There are many things we do know, but the future stuff? That’s all based on hope. We’re hoping for what we’ve not yet seen! And that’s where patience comes in. Hope and patience are inextricably connected, and together they keep us from despair. We may not know what is coming for our earth, we may not know the shape of our own futures, but we will not live in fear. Day by day we will patiently march on, doing our routines, imagining future adventures, always with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts because we do have hope. And nothing can ever take that away from us!
Thought for the Day: What happens to those who lose hope?
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