Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope,

because who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

Please take the time to first read the entirety of the eighth chapter of Romans from your copy of the Scriptures.  In this chapter, Paul emphasizes the benefits of being “in Christ Jesus” as opposed to outside of a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior.  Those benefits include: (1) No condemnation through faith in Jesus, (2) No obligation to the flesh because of Jesus, (3) No separation from God’s love in Christ Jesus.  God offers us HOPE in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Help through the Holy Spirit:  God gives us His presence and power through the indwelling Spirit.  The same Spirit who indwells the Christian also intercedes for the believer.  The presence of God in your heart is also who inspires you to live in true spiritual, physical, and emotional liberty.  Have you received the help of the Holy Spirit in living for Jesus Christ?

Opportunities for God to be glorified:  The world system in which we live is designed to bring glory to humanity and nature while denying glory to God the Creator.  God is glorified not because of sin but in spite of sin.  God is glorified through:  (1) Christ’s atonement for sin, (2) Our adoption as sons, and (3) Creation’s anticipation of salvation.  Are you seeking opportunities for God to be glorified through you?

Patience through suffering: Paul does not skirt the reality of suffering in the world and neither should we.  Christianity is not a free pass to avoid suffering, but becomes a means of persevering in spite of suffering.  Patience, which is the key to survival, is not merely “toughing it out”, but trusting that God is “working it out” for the good of those who love God: those called according to His purpose…to be conformed to the image of His Son.  No one ever has or ever will suffer more than Jesus nor has shown more patience than Jesus in the midst of sufferings!  Are you patient through suffering?

Eternal perspective: We need to take a better look at the here-after versus the here-and-now.  Paul reminds Christ-followers of every century, continent, country, and culture that there is no close comparison between our earthly struggles and our heavenly reward.  I have heard it said: “You can be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good.”  However, I understand Paul to actually emphasize the reverse:  “You should be so heavenly minded that you are of greater earthly good.”  Do you let a Biblically based view of eternity affect your earthly existence?

I invite you to find HOPE in a personal relationship with Jesus.  Problems in life will overwhelm you.  People around you will disappoint you.  Prideful and pleasurable pursuits will leave you empty.  Personal efforts at seeking to gain God’s acceptance will leave you lacking at the judgment.  The Bible clearly reveals that hope is found in Jesus!  He will navigate your problems with you.  He is the most dependable person you will ever know.  His kingdom of righteousness, joy, and peace brings fulfillment.  He has done all that is necessary to make you acceptable in the sight of God.  Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He is also at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.  Have you received Christ’s offer of hope?