"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." — Romans 8: 25 (ESV).
These verses from the book of Romans speak of the future glory, and what beautiful promises they hold.
These verses give me so much of hope in the midst of this pandemic. At this time when everything is uncertain and we don’t really know what will happen next, isn’t it comforting how we can rest on God’s promises? In verse 18, it is said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” It speaks of so much hope to me, of so much life – first that this struggle will soon have its end. God promises it in His Word. That the fear, uncertainty and restrictions of this pandemic will have its end, eventually. And on top of that, God promises that our present difficulties does not compare to the glory we are heading to. Wow, hope, rest and peace.
As for hope, the next few verses elaborate on it further. In verse 24 and 25 – “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." I realized – yes, this is exactly what makes hope powerful. When all seems lost and nothing is going our way, it is hope we hold on to, to get us going. Hope that things will turn around and that things will change for the better. For us followers of Christ, our hope is anchored on God – and he assures us repeatedly through the Bible – He is our hope we can depend on. He has said it, and He has never gone against His word. Things will get better, if only we be patient in waiting for His promises. It is difficult, but we can always ask for the grace to help us cling onto the hope God brings.
In verse 28 – “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.” Again, a promise we can hold on to. So long as we love God, we know things will work out for our good in the end, even as it doesn’t seem so at the moment.
As always, we find so much hope in God’s word. So let’s push on, dear friends. God has given His Word, and He has never failed on His promises in the past, He will never do so in the future. Hope on.
Reflection on Romans 8:18-30 by Blessie Sto Tomas
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