January 27

A HOPE SUSTAINED
by Ray Prinzing

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."                                                                                                   (Romans 8:24-25).

There are several things that come more clearly into view with the passing of time than when we are abundantly blessed with zeal in our youth.  As time passes over our heads, we are made aware of the fact that all of God's purposes, thoughts and intents may not be consummated in this generation.  Many would like to see God hurry and culminate His plans so that they might escape some of the processings and trials which they face, or even to escape physical death.  but there is a place of rest and peace in Christ where we lean to "HIS TIMINGS," and settle down IN HOPE to await the fulfillment of those things which He has purposed.

Paul also writes that "hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Spirit which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5). Knowing that "love which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5). Knowing that "love never faileth" and therefore will ultimately gain the victory in all things, the more His love dwells in us, the more it strengthens our hope and sustains us through the waiting.

The many aspects of hope are too vast to give in one brief listing, and they are individually quickened and enlarged to us according to the need we have along the way.  The hope of the resurrection sustains those who have lost a loved one, knowing that we shall be united again in that day.  The ache within, as we miss them, yearns for a soon fulfillment, but the knowledge that resurrection is a FACT sustains our hope and we wait on.  Paul also speaks of how  "he that ploweth should plow in hope."  (1 Corinthians 9:10), for the work of preparation, sowing the seed, care during the growing season, all is linked to the hope of a harvest to come.  Plans initiated are carried out with hope that ultimately they will be realized in victory.  But for sure, our greatest hope is embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fact that He shall return and receive us into Himself, to see Him as He is!