Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Hope by definition is to look for something in the future. Hope is based on faith and trust. A word is spoken and sparks faith within us. This faith builds to the point of having hope. Hope most of the time is focused on a positive outcome. Otherwise, hope will deteriorate to become dread and despair. Despair results when hope is taken away and faith is weak. Because our hope is placed in something in the future, there is uncertainty because we have not experienced this something yet. It takes patience to endure until the hope is fulfilled and becomes reality. Paul is writing these things to help those who experience suffering in this life. Hope helps us endure suffering because we have placed our faith in someone who has conquered that which tries to bring despair into our lives. Jesus is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1) and the object of our faith.
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