This is Part 5 of 5 in a blog series about waiting. Click here to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 ESV

About a year ago I came to the realization that it had been a long time since I’d hoped for anything. And I mean really hope, with excitement and expectation.

Because if I didn’t hope, then I wasn’t disappointed.

But then the realization came that if I don’t have hope, then I’m not looking for or expecting God’s best for me.

What changed?

I found that I could have hope, despite my current circumstances.

• “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV

• “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:2-5 ESV

And now as I wait, I can hope in the waiting.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7 ESV

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” Psalm 130:5 ESV

“I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him.” Isaiah 8:17 ESV

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5 ESV

What are you hoping for right now? What should you be hoping for right now, but won’t?

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 ESV