Not Without Hope
Written by Christen Walberg
"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
-Romans 8:24-25
As I enter into this Advent season, it is often accompanied by a sense of something missing. The warm hugs that would welcome me into my childhood home, the full stovetop of family favorites, a buffet full of delightful treats, and a living room full of my most favorite people.
Since the passing of my mom eleven years ago, I have felt the heaviness of loss. However, as a Christ-follower, I am so thankful that this emotion is also accompanied by the presence of "hope to come." I am comforted in my loss by Romans 8:24-25. You see, my hope lies in the reality that one day I will see my Savior face to face because He saved me, that all wrongs will be made right (even the loss of one so dear), and that in my time of waiting the Lord is using that to make me more into His image.
Living in the "already" of His first coming, but the "not yet" of His second, awakens in my heart to the truth that some day my faith will be sight and the patient waiting that I am called to now will be worth it. I can entrust myself to the care of my loving Savior, who gives hope even when my precious mom’s hugs are no longer here.
PRAYER: Savior, thank You that You offer hope to Your children in the midst of this broken world. Help us to wait with longing hearts for Your triumphant return.
