“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:24+25/NIV)
This is plain enough. You hope for things you are in need of. You do not hope for blessings you currently enjoy. You do not need to hope for things you already have.
Hope is somewhat central to the Christian faith. I like that.
The bible would teach us to be realistic about our own condition and our circumstances of life. Yet we need not sink into despair, because there is hope.
I like to give you a brief outline of my thoughts on the verses before and after the above quote. If you like to, click here and read the whole paragraph.
- In this world, we experience difficulties and problems.
- We are not the only ones who suffer. All of creation is subject to certain problems.
- God offers us a peaceful relationship with Him. (Cf. Romans 8:15+16). He wants to give us hope.
- God imparts his Holy Spirit and thereby provides entirely new prospects. (Cf. Romans 8:23; Romans 8:12-17; Romans 8;26+27)
- He will bestow even greater blessings in due time.
