July 23
The Hope
of the Unseen
Romans 8:24-25
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.
Daily Steps
When facing trials, the believer may look for immediate relief or visible change. This passage reminds the new believer that the greatest source of peace and endurance is hope in the unseen reality that has yet to arrive.
The peace in this certainty is found in patient waiting:
The Nature of Christian Hope: Christian hope is the certain expectation of future glory (eternal glory, Day 204). The text clarifies that if hope is seen, it is no hope at all. Hope, by its very definition, applies to the unseen things that are guaranteed by God's promises (The Unshakable Kingdom, Day 191).
The Command to Wait: Because the object of our hope is not yet visible, we must wait for it patiently. This patience is the "perseverance" forged in trials (Day 192). It is the confident, enduring acceptance of present discomfort because of the guaranteed reward that is on its way.
The Result is Endurance: This perspective prevents despair in the midst of suffering. When you fix your eyes on the unseen (Day 204) and patiently wait for the final resurrection and reunion with Christ, you gain the spiritual endurance necessary to overcome the light and momentary troubles.
Your final peace is secured by patient hope. Trust that the unseen reality is more certain than the visible one, and confidently wait for it patiently as you endure your trials.
Reflective Question
What "seen" reality (a lack of money, a painful relationship, a chronic weakness) are you tempted to focus on today? How can you purposefully shift your focus to the unseen things (God's Sovereignty, Christ's Presence, eternal Glory) and practice patiently waiting for God's ultimate fulfillment?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to lose heart when my hope is not immediately seen. I pray for the faith to rest in the certainty of the unseen truth of Your promises.
Help me to wait for it patiently through my current trials. Secure my peace today in the power of this hope, knowing that my future is guaranteed by Your faithfulness. Amen.
