Devotional 05/27/20 - If we Don't Have Hope, then What do 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? (Romans 8:24)

Hello friends,

My family and I just got back from a much needed getaway to one of our favorite state parks. We enjoyed swimming, hiking, and quality family time. In nature and in God's creation there lies so much hope and beauty. I can't wait to share more of that experience with you. Today, I wanted to reference the scripture above (Romans 8:24) as we go through the rest of our week.

What happens when life doesn’t go as planned? What happens when our reality is not even close to what we imagined for our lives? What happens when we are left with feelings of disappointment, anxiousness, despair, unhappiness, uncertainty, loneliness, inadequacy, and emptiness? As I sometimes go through days with some of these same feelings, I remember, at just the right time, when I was still powerless, Christ died for ME (Romans 5:6). In that moment, I was saved.

Ephesians 6 also explains how the armor of God protects us from those unwelcoming thoughts and feelings that can sometimes try to defeat us, and at times do. Each day, I choose to suit up with God's armor to protect my faith, my hope in eternity, and my salvation, but there are moments when I still feel defeated. In those moments is when I remain in prayer and hope. Hope that I will overcome, that I will persevere, and that I serve a God who has the power to deliver me from my own destruction. I know He can... He has saved me before and loves me enough to do it over and over again. “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (Romans 8:24).

Let me pray, as some of us go through the week feeling defeated. Dear God, thank you for your armor and protection against defeating thoughts and feelings. Thank you for saving us time and time again. Remind us of your almighty strength and power to deliver us from the evil one. Remind us of our salvation through the Chosen One, your Son, whom you sacrificed for us. Remind us that you are the one in control and that most importantly, you love us right where we are. In Jesus' name Amen.