It begins as far back as we can remember. Right before we run off to school, we smear on our mama’s lip gloss and clamp down as many hair clips as our endless bangs will allow. We hope for another attempt to fit in with the others, to measure up, to belong.
Growing up, I often found myself balancing enjoying the moment and anticipating the next one. As a young child, my hopes centered around a 25-cent soft-serve ice cream cone after church on Sunday nights. My hopes matured as I did—working to make the swim team, racing to the finish line at a track meet, and striving to win an award. I hoped for slumber party invitations, a certain new sweater for Christmas, and, of course, beating my brother at checkers.
Those early years of putting my best foot forward, I hoped the appearance of having it all together would win me friends. But years down the line, the stakes of life loomed larger, and deep heartache entered in—never mind the lip gloss or hair clips.
In truly tragic moments, our hope is put to the test. And if it’s misplaced, it will be found wanting.
The hope we read about in Romans offers us a greater understanding of the hope God offers. It takes us from tangible evidence we can see, and pushes us deeper into a faith that asks for what we cannot see. In fact, all of creation is wired for this. If something breaks, we are hardwired to figure out a solution. Most problems can’t be solved in a day, so we work and test and try until we receive the desired outcome. But there will always be a hope offered by God that requires all of Him, and no amount of our working and testing will bring it to pass. This is the hope of Christ, our Rescuer and Redeemer.
Because of Christ, we are free to hope in even the most difficult or uncertain circumstances. The first chapter of Philippians reminds us “he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (v.6). Trials are accompanied by hope. Hope is a gift. Hope is critical, and the gospel gives us an unending supply.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
—Romans 8:37
Any suffering we endure here and now is incomparable to God’s coming glory (2Corinthians 4:16–18). This is the beautiful gift of hope.
One day our groans will give way to glory (Romans 8:23). While we wait, we place our hope in Jesus.
This is from a different translation; And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. Amen!
At my friend’s wedding last week I said that God and Jesus were not an after thought. Her dad referenced Scripture. You don’t always see this at weddings now. . She said on that day and every day, God and Jesus are a priority! To God be the glory! He has set eternity in our hearts. He is the only One that can fill the vacuum! Thank You, Lord!
It blesses me every time I read, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying and pain will be no more because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
I wasn’t able to do my reading and devotion yesterday, so did both today. What uplifting words Paul provides to us! I hold tenaciously to the knowledge that NOTHING and No One can separate me from the love of God. I am His child and no matter what, He holds me in His hand. Just about makes me shout! On both days of this reading, I wrote HALLELUJAH! My heart sings praises.
I am praying for all the requests over the past couple of days:
MARIA BAER – I praise God that you are a manager who prays before counseling with your employee. I pray she receives your words in the spirit you intend them and can make the changes that help not only herself, but your whole work group.
KRISTEN – thank you for sharing the words of The Revelation Song. I love that song.
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – Praising God for the answered prayers of a great first day of school for you, and finding a room mother. Praying for each day to be great, and your foot pain to be healed.
LEHUA K – I’m praying for your husband to have a rapid and complete recovery from Covid, and for your health to be strong. I pray for healing of your ankle and for resolution of the conflict in your work situation.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – I pray for resolution of your sister’s housing needs
KIMBERLY Z – I’m sorry to hear your dad wasn’t able to get his implants surgery, and pray for healing for him.
CINDY HANNA – I’m praying for healing for you from the hurt of being verbally attacked at church. I pray you can feel Gods love and comfort around you like a warm blanket.
VICTORY E – I continue to hold you in prayer regarding your work situation and for Gods guidance in making a decision about staying or leaving. I pray for your mental health and ask Gods to bring peace and comfort to your mind.
KIM MULLINS – I’m praying for Abner’s interview with the US Embassy and that the interviewer is understanding to Abner and Katie’s need. I pray they are able to visit, and that the process for a green card goes smoothly and rapidly.
RACHEL ALADE – praying for your husband’s job search and for him to find the job that God has prepared for him.
PRAYING FOR ALL SHES AND FOR ALL REQUESTS, BOTH SPOKEN AND UNSPOKEN.
Dear sisters, tomorrow starts the beginning of a 9 day Christian camp meeting that I belong to. Our theme this year is “Journey of Grace”. We have Bible study, music, deeper faith discussions, meals together etc. We come from many different Christian faith backgrounds so Bible study is lively. We are located on the CT river so a beautiful (but a little hot” setting. Looking forward to getting my soul recharged! Prayers for all spoken and silently on hearts.❤️
Living in God’s Hope in the moment, in the middle of the story can be so difficult. We often can’t see His plan clearly in the midst of the trials and uncertainties of life, but we know the ultimate end of the story, eternal life and God completing His good work in us! We know his End Game plan therefore we are never without HOPE!
God’s time is the right time, so He’ll work things out for me in His will eventually as long as I stay on track & keep moving forward. There have been plenty of bumps, but some stability has arrived. It gets weird trying to adjust to good after lots of bumps (harder to accept and believe in the good), does that make any sense? All I know is God is great! ❤️
Loss and grieving would crush us if we did not have hope. Thank you Jesus that no matter what happens in my life I know that hope can keep my head above water. Help me to always look up to you.
Hope is evident. It is something that we can chose. That we can carry. Hope is a joy that lands in the success of Jesus blood He shed for us. Hope is a gift. And as Christians, it is given freely. Our part, is to receive. To say yes to hope.