Message for January 12, 2020 from Pastor Shirley

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” Romans 8:25.

      NOT YET!  Two three letter words that carry a powerful punch.  Not yet describing that something is expected to happen but has not at this moment.  Would using the words, “not yet” in a sentence make much of a difference. I think so.  What if someone were to ask me if a particular person is saved? Would by answer be “He is not saved.”  Or “He is not saved yet.” My answer would definitely be “He is not saved yet.” What would my answer be based on?  1 Timothy 1:4  God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  Faith works through hope.  To say “He is not saved” is a statement of current fact. To say “He is not saved yet” brings God into the picture. You are speaking of things you have not yet seen but know to be the truth.

      I heard someone say, “Hope is that settled confidence that looks to the future, knowing that God will someday keep all his promises.  Patience is the ability to endure present hardship because you have hope in the future”.

     What is it that you are waiting for from the Lord? What are you hoping for that you do not yet have?  While you are waiting, don’t let go of those two little words “not yet.”