All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
Romans 8:22-25 MSG
One definition of hope is:
an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: “expect with confidence” and “to cherish a desire with anticipation.”
I am in a season of hoping (and, if I don’t miss my guess, you are probably hoping for something as well). I am waiting to see redemption in a relationship. This hope, by definition, is alive; it is an action verb. It sits in my heart like a slow burning fire. Always flickering, always present, lively. Confident of a positive outcome.
When there is patient hope in the waiting, we are enlarged. Our capacity to endure becomes greater. Our faith grows strong. The spirit is matured in trust and thankfulness. We are enlarged.
The Passion Translation of James 1:3-4 puts it beautifully:
“For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”
Hope that enlarges.
Nothing missing and nothing lacking.
Patient hope. Confident hope.
Hope that isn’t just about a future outcome but a hope that grows us, enlarges us right now! This is hope with untold dividends.
The areas of your life in which you are holding fast to hope, be encouraged! Embrace the waiting and allow your spirit to be enlarged. There is growth in this season. The Spirit of God labors to mature us.
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31