Memory Monday – Week 21

As I was reading Romans for our Sunday night married small group study I came across this verse and knew it was the exact one I wanted to share. I also wrote about this verse when I went to a women’s lunch at my church back in December.

We were given this hope when we were saved. If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:23-24 NLT

We don’t hope for what we already have. I don’t hope for a husband, because I’m already married. But, we hope for something we don’t have yet, like a baby. I love that this verse in the Message translation which says ‘But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.’  Isn’t this so true? Think about a piece of dessert sitting in front of you. If you ate it the second it was on your plate, it would taste good. But, what if you were forced to sit there for 30 minutes – surely your mouth would start salivating, your tummy would start growling and your desire would increase for the dessert. Once you were allowed to eat it, you would probably say that it tasted a lot better since you had to wait so long for it.

This verse also tells us when we wait, it must be patiently and confidently. The Lord doesn’t want us groaning or complaining and He sure doesn’t want us to doubt our future. He wants us to ask Him confidently and not only make the most of the wait, but to trust Him while we wait.

I think when we go through a time of waiting it also makes us realize how good God is. Because of this journey we are on, I look at pregnancy and the gift of life in a whole new light. I have a new appreciation and a new heart for babies, one I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I realize what a miracle every baby is. Every pregnant friend, my nieces and nephews, and the random babies at the store or on facebook or wherever are all gifts of life that God brought into this world. All in His perfect timing.Thank you Lord!

What are you waiting for? A child, a job, a restored marriage? Instead of acting impatiently for God to reveal His will, wait patiently and expectantly. Remember, waiting is always active, not reactive. Don’t just sit on the couch, but make the most of your time. God has you in your situation for a reason. He has purpose in every day and He hopes that you realize that purpose. Join us with whatever you are waiting for and trust Him that He has good plans for you. Wait patiently and confidently. Have hope!

If you missed the other verses in the series on hope, be sure to also read the posts on Hebrews 6:19 and Romans 5:3-5.

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18 Comments
  • Allison
    Posted at 06:46h, 23 September Reply

    What an amazing post! I needed to read this on this beautiful, fall Monday morning. Thank you for sharing!

  • Erika B.
    Posted at 07:16h, 23 September Reply

    This is so good– definitely something I needed to remember today. Thanks for speaking truth!! 🙂

  • Rebecca
    Posted at 07:45h, 23 September Reply

    EXACTLY what I needed to hear this morning friend!! THANK YOU so much for sharing!!

  • Amie
    Posted at 08:14h, 23 September Reply

    I LOVE this! Thank you so much for showing me a different way to think about waiting and praying for our baby 🙂 My favorite verse is right after this Romans 8:28.

  • Kasey
    Posted at 08:53h, 23 September Reply

    Absolutely love this message! Before I even got to the end I copied this-

    “– we must wait patiently and confidently”

    Because I need to remember this! Especially the “confidently” part! Thank you as always Caroline!

  • Rachel
    Posted at 09:00h, 23 September Reply

    What a beautiful post! Such a clear reminder of how important having faith is. Faith in your beliefs, faith in yourself, faith that things will work out exactly as they are meant to.

  • dspence
    Posted at 10:16h, 23 September Reply

    I love how the Message phrases this verse! I hope (there’s that word again…) that the waiting increases the sweetness for your family!

  • Charity
    Posted at 10:41h, 23 September Reply

    Great scripture. Patience and confidence is so important as we wait and I am figuring that out more and more each day. Also I like what you said about joyful expectancy. I see everything in regards to life in a new light because of this experience. Thanks for the reminder Caroline!

  • Jojo
    Posted at 12:41h, 23 September Reply

    Beautifully phrased. Thank you for this.

  • Emily (eatloveprocreate.blogspot.com)
    Posted at 12:54h, 23 September Reply

    For sure, one of the biggest lessons God is trying to teach me is PATIENCE. The best things really do come to those who wait though, and I believe that. So true about the appreciation growing for the one thing we long for but don’t yet have. If we all just got what we wanted, every time we wanted it, we wouldn’t value the most special of gifts nearly as much.

  • JustHeather
    Posted at 14:46h, 23 September Reply

    Hope is definitely something hard to come by at times when in the middle of infertility and wanting nothing more than getting pregnant, being pregnant and having a baby. But it is also something that we cannot give up on, for if we lose hope, there isn’t much else we have left.

    Happy ICLW!

  • Emma
    Posted at 20:39h, 23 September Reply

    Hi from ICLW!

    I love that verse! It’s such a good reminder 🙂

  • Aubrey
    Posted at 20:52h, 23 September Reply

    Waiting patiently and confidently…. That we are 🙂 XO

  • Melissa
    Posted at 08:28h, 24 September Reply

    Hello from ICLW…Your faith is inspiring! Prayers and best wishes to you!

  • Tia
    Posted at 17:53h, 24 September Reply

    Comment

    • Ria
      Posted at 17:55h, 24 September Reply

      Silly autocorrect. Also, maybe not a good idea to comment from my phone. But I needed to hear this today. I often think of waiting as a passive thing and needed this reminder. Thanks!

  • Melissa @ Fawn Over Baby
    Posted at 21:55h, 24 September Reply

    WOW!!! I have chills! This is so true! Instead of doubting our future (because we have to wait for what we want), look forward to it with built up excitement. You are so right about us appreciating our blessings in life more when we don’t get it handed to us right away. Love this post. Thank you so much for sharing!

  • Pharme2
    Posted at 23:44h, 10 June Reply

    Very nice site!

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