Disappointments in this life abound. We think something good is going to happen, or something bad is going to be averted, and then the exact opposite of what we expect is what takes place. This year, 2020, has certainly proved that to be true. Teens who worked all their young lives to see high school graduation were disappointed. People who owned businesses that were growing, or flourishing were stunned with the economic hit of the virus-and-fear pandemic. People who planned on enjoying their old age found their lives cut short.
The second half of 2020 does not look much better. Schools may not open, churches are still being bombarded with directives, the virus does not appear to be retreating. Businesses are still struggling. Colleges are deciding how to open and what to do about their sports programs. Truly, disappointments abound.
One of my favorite chapters in the Book of Romans is chapter 5. Paul begins by reminding us of our righteousness by faith, peace with God, and access to grace through our LORD Jesus Christ. Then he reminds us that “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” [v2-4 CSB]
“This hope,” Paul tells us, “will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” [v5 CSB]
Three times hope is mentioned in those first five verses. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Afflictions produce much if we allow them, ending in the final product, which is hope. And this hope (both produced by affliction and resting in the glory of God) will not disappoint us.
Life disappoints, but God’s love poured out in our hearts will not. God loves us. He gave us His Spirit to indwell us and one of the primary functions of God’s Spirit in us is to constantly remind us that we are children of a loving, giving, All-Powerful Father. Everything in life may be unsteady, may lead to disappointments, but the hope we have in God, combined with His abundant love for us, will never disappoint. He proves that to us now; He will prove that to us throughout eternity. Amen
