Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Today’s verse follows Paul’s discussion on the believer’s wait for the final redemption of their bodies (Romans 8:23). Paul teaches us that true hope is future-oriented. It requires the believer to be active,having a persevering endurance despite the suffering they may be facing. This hope is grounded in a certainty of God’s ultimate promises yet to come – redemption and eternal glory.
The Greek word used for patience is hypomonē which is not a passive act of waiting but an active, steadfast endurance one experiences while in the midst of suffering or delays. It also requires more trust in things we cannot see physically, such as full adoption into the family of God and bodily redemption in the final resurrection.
If we hope for what we do not have, we wait. And not only do we wait but we do it patiently. Our hope as Christians is something we can be confident we will receive. There is no anxiety or fear involved, only patient waiting for what we know we will receive because we know what He has promised. We know He is faithful to fulfill His promises. We may not have eternal glory or full redemption here on earth but we know we will have it in heaven. And in that we place our hope.
As we wait on the fulfillment of God’s promises we do so not with frustration but with faithful endurance. We know that what we have placed our hope in is not just wishful thinking. It is something we are confident we will have, something we can be certain of. He has always been faithful in providing for our needs and fulfilling His promises. Why would we think He wouldn’t do it in this case?
Whatever you may be facing, know that it is temporary. Place your hope in what we do not have yet, in the future glory we will experience when we meet our Maker and fall before Him in worship. And while we wait, do so with patience because we know how the story ends.
Prayer: Lord, I place my hope in what You have promised – eternal glory and full redemption. Help me to serve You as I await the fulfillment of Your promises. Amen
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