24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
In what hope were we saved? In the hope of adoption! In the hope of redemption! In the hope that these trials that we go through presently will be replaced by something so SO SO much better.
Have we seen what this hope will look like yet? Nope! That is why Paul says that it is not something seen. I cannot hope that my name is Rebecca Langer. I know that it is. I can hope that one day I will change my name when I marry a man. That is something possible to hope for.
How should I hope? Patiently. The Greek word here ὑπομονή could also be translated steadfastness, constancy, or endurance.
I am currently training for my first marathon. The most that I have ever run has been 13.1 Miles, and in October I will attempt to run 26.2 miles. It astounds me what the human body can do when you just decide to do something and don't stop. On the long runs, however, when I become accustomed to running and my breath evens, I am surprised at my own need to simply be patient. The miles will take care of themselves if I just endure and put one foot in front of the other. It definitely is not easy, but in one sense, all you need is the steadfastness to say, "I will be there soon. I am not there yet. I just need to keep going".
In our Christian journey, we need to walk in the Spirit and just keep going. The power that we are sustained by is not our's but the Lord's. Stay steadfast during the trials and the marathons of our lives. Be patient; it will be worth it. When we cross the finish line, there will be a lot more waiting for us than a gold medal.
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