Day 19

The Believer’s Triumph

from the Romans reading plan


Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 44:17-22, 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, Philippians 1:6

BY Rebekah Lyons

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. 

Post Comments (41)

41 thoughts on "The Believer’s Triumph"

  1. Carolyn Barron says:

    This is spot on for me this morning. (I’m behind a few days on my study)

    Our world changed a few weeks ago when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer that metastasized to his liver. It’s been incredibly difficult seeing him suffer. But I’ve also never felt closer to the Lord.

    I posted an update last night late last night iFIT all of our family and friends who are praying and supporting us with and included Romans 8:38-39.

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