18 I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. 23 And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25
Good Day Family,
Hoping and Waiting
Waiting isn’t fun, is it? As children, it seemed like we were always waiting…for school to start…for school to end…for our birthdays and Christmas…to be able to do something that we weren’t yet able to do.
Waiting didn’t necessarily get easier as we matured, although, hopefully, we learned to adjust to delayed gratification. We began to appreciate that everything shouldn’t come to us just as we want it. Experience taught us that some things were worth waiting for, and others, with time, became less attractive. Waiting has benefits.
In this season, we wait. We wait to see what will come next. The uncertainty makes the wait more challenging and frustrating. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a magic want to know when it would be safe to resume “normal” activities? A crystal ball that would reveal when the vaccine for COVID-19 would be developed or enough contact tracing and testing to stop the spread.
We miss gathering together. I do too. We miss being able to travel freely and spend time with friends and family in the same way. This has been a difficult time for many. It has been, at times, boring and lonely.
In the midst of all this, we hear the words of Paul echoing in encouragement. What we’re going through now, is nothing in comparison to the glory to come. We are in a time when all of creation—around the entire world—has been impacted. Yet, we remain people of hope. We are people of the resurrection. What was entombed will come back to life. What was lost will be replaced…gloriously. Let’s wait upon the Lord in trust for God’s provision and protection, in love for the safety of our neighbors, and in hope for what we cannot see but believe that God will work together for our good.
Waiting In Hope,
Be well,
Pastor Cheryl