"A story of hope and faith"
Yesterday after church, my best friend asked me what the difference was between Christians and nonbelievers. As it is her first time regularly encountering classmates and professors who do not profess Christ as Lord and Saviour, she was curious because she found them so kind and nice.
Certainly, I agreed. Having also grown up in a Christian bubble, I was also amused to find myself surprised by how "nice" anybody could be. So when she asked, "What then is the difference between Christians and non-Christians?" I could only reply, "I'm not sure. Perhaps it's the hope and faith that we have in God."
And as teachers who don't know the answer to their students' questions, I answered in like fashion: "Why don't you observe them and find out. Then let me know what you find."
As I read through Romans this morning, chapter 8 verse 24 and 25 spoke into my heart, "For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is not seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Likewise, Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Our hope and faith in Jesus Christ goes against the idiom "I'll believe it when I see it." Often we ask for tangible results to prayer: concrete answers (like baby brothers) and visible proof. Yet so much of God's work is invisible. It happens slowly and it happens in our hearts.
Through the years, I have seen God work, and now is a time to wait with patience. Jesus is coming back. Our job is to wait with hope and faith until what we hope for is revealed before our eyes.
2 comments:
I've enjoyed your explanation :) I've always wondered haha.
heh interesting, I've found myself wondering the same question but from the other point of view looking in! :)
thanks jenny.
what do you mean from the outside looking in??
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