BE HOPEFUL!

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. —Romans 8:17-18

 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. —Romans 8:23-25

             As difficult as this life can be at times, keep looking to the finish line of the “race marked out for you” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  Yes, keep your eyes on Jesus.  He is the author of your faith and He is also the finisher of your faith.  What a marvel it is that we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” and that these present sufferings, as hard as they can be at times, “are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  Think about that.  This is what is ahead for us!

             Yes, at this time we may “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies, but this is the hope, the expectation that we have!  “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”  So let us live faithfully, serving our loving God and waiting patiently for the hope we have ahead.  Wow… the best and imagination stretching future is still ahead of us.  Press on as Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  Eventually we will get to the place where we can also say—

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” —II Timothy 4:6-8

Thank You, Dear Father, for all the hope You have given me in Jesus.  I am so grateful.  Oh, please forgive me for my failures and sin.  I desire not to fail You and not to sin against You and look forward to the day I am with Jesus and will never fail or sin again.  Until then, please help me to be faithful to Your desires by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  So may it be for all Your honor and glory.  Yes, so may it be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLsETd3MFzk&list=RDmLsETd3MFzk&start_radio=1