| “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” – Romans 8:24 |
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| HANDLING HARDSHIPS WITH HOPE! In writing to the Romans the great Apostle Paul will primarily address the doctrines of SALVATION but he will also address issues that the Christian faces such as SUFFERING. In Romans 8, starting at verse 18 he gives an eternal perspective on SUFFERING as he writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” As we ponder this verse, we begin to think about what will be revealed in glory, and OUR HOPE – the anticipation of a glorious future – GROWS. Continuing he tells how we groan, and how even creation groans as we want the suffering to end. In Romans 8:23 he writes that “even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” Now our verse to DATE tells us that WE ARE SAVED IN THIS HOPE. One translation has it “NOW we LIVE in this HOPE! What is the HOPE that saves us, delivers us, sustains us, that we live in? It is the HOPE, the firm conviction that there will be a day when we will be in HEAVEN. We are looking FORWARD to the FUTURE! We have a HOPE of HEAVEN! We live in HOPE because we know the BEST IS YET TO COME. With this HOPE of a glorious FUTURE, we can SUSTAIN the worst that is here presently. Verse 25 tells us we eagerly wait for it (our glorious future) with perseverance. As you groan know that heaven awaits you! This is your HOPE!! And while you face pain and suffering in this present body and persecution in this present world keep your eyes of faith looking to your glorious future. You are sustained while suffering by THIS HOPE!! Verse to DATE the Word on August 24 (8/24) is Romans 8:24. It says, “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? “Hope thus sustains the soul in the midst of trials, and enables it to bear them without a murmur.” A. Barnes Continue strong staying encouraged as the BEST IS YET TO COME!! And remember to DATE THE WORD! |