Listen

We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:22-25

Think

Hope is something that will change the world! Hope is something that we hold onto in the midst of darkness, even when it is hard to see or maintain. Through hope we are redeemed and we know that God is good. God is a God of hope. What is a time you hoped for something?

In this passage, we are called to hope and, when we do not see, we are called to wait for it patiently.

Have you ever hoped for something and it didn’t work out?

For years and years, I hoped to get into my dream college. I hoped, I prayed, I worked hard in school. I was meant to be there. In all that hope, it didn’t work out. They said “no.” I was shattered. It didn’t seem like there was hope. So, I went to another school. Turns out, it was where I needed to be. They fostered my call to ministry and helped me to accomplish more than I ever thought.

God is good, and hope is alive.

Jacob Kennedy

Question to Ponder:

In this season, what is one thing you are hoping for?

Pray

God, give me hope to know you are with me.

Greet me with love and compassion.

And remind me when hope feels lost, you are with me.

In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Go

Receive now this shortened blessing of Saint Patrick, as sung by musician Steve Bell in his song, “The Lorica”:

“Be above me, as high as the noonday sun.

Be below me, the rock I set my feet upon.

Be beside me, the wind on my left and right.

Be behind me, oh circle me with your truth and light.”

Amen