Devotion: Hope-Filled
Romans 8:18-27I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 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.Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Reading the scripture for this week, I almost busted out laughing when I got to verse 25. “For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Patience has never been my strong suit.
But listening to Pastor Greg as we begin this worship series on Leadership, and developing it in our growth as Christians trying to bring others to the knowledge of Christ, I began to dig further into the characteristics that build leaders. He mentioned the process of developing leadership, i.e. acknowledging reality and offering hope; bringing followers physically together and from this to build bridges.
Hope, is what binds those together. And assurance is what strengthens that. We can be sure of God’s love for us and strengthened in our resolve. Hebrews 11:1 gives us the familiar passage; “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The assurance that what we believe is based on fact gives us courage and comfort to talk to others about our faith. I love a good “meaty” discussion on God’s word. Bible studies and Sunday School offer these for me. Remember we are not destined for destruction but for renewal. Remember also that Jesus is the Vine we cling our hope to, giving us the freedom to share that with others.
Heavenly Father, source of our strength, strengthen me today to be able to share the message of your love and promises. Guide us to experiences where we may be a source of glorifying you to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz