Hope: Romans 15:13

This week we are getting blessed by Mrs. Katie Burgess. She is a precious new mama, wife to Austin, and fantastic hair stylist. As a bonus she is also the pastor’s wife at Elim Baptist Church where our son, Jordan and his wife Tricia attend. She is bringing us a good word on the Hope we find in Jesus.

Here’s Katie’s thoughts today . . .

Hey there! So full disclosure, I’m not really ever sure how to start these things. Whenever I talk scripture, I’m always focused on making the connection to whoever I’m talking to. There’s enough study material online to fill endless libraries, and I’m so glad there is! We need as much raw clarity on God’s Word as we can get, especially in today’s age! But I hope this finds you and your heart where you are. I hope, especially in the midst of the Corona crisis, this verse speaks to you in a deeper way

When Julie reached out to me to do this blog, I was initially flattered (still am!) and also almost completely certain of my verse. It’s one I find myself quoting and referencing constantly, especially given our story (more on that later). It seems especially fitting now.

“Now may the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

So a little background on this verse. If you read the whole chapter, you see that Paul is making the case to the Romans that God’s intention was to bring salvation to every nation, including Gentiles, not just the Jews. He is explaining that our only hope is in Jesus Christ, and that hope is extended to them as well.

Who were the Romans in light of this Jewish preacher? They were outcasts. Pagans. Evil ones. Set aside. Ignored. Hated, even. And Paul wanted them to hear the message of Christ that they could be something else. They could be chosen. Loved. Children of God. Wanted. Blessed.

And while ALL of that could preach right on its own, I want to show you why this is so personal beyond the obvious.

You see, the Romans had no hope. They were the ultimate YOLO culture, living for whatever made them happiest right now. So when heartbreak, devastation, or trauma happened, there was no upside. It was just a knock against the very little time for enjoyment they had on earth. There was no “This has a purpose” or “This is bad but life is a vapor and I’m living for eternal goodness.” Paul wanted to show them it didn’t have to be this way. They could know the God of all hope.

Having hope in something beyond this life, having peace in the least peaceful of circumstances, is huge for me. Anyone who knows me personally knows our story of infertility and multiple miscarriages. That’s a story for another day, but suffice it to say, when you’re walking through that, you are HELPLESS. I learned very quickly that I can take all the medications, do all the natural remedies, the right diets, everything and still never have a baby. God never promised me one. I have no power to create life.

I prayed for a baby. I did. And I pray even now for more one day. But daily I found myself asking for this verse. “God I need you to be the God of all hope for me. I need you to fill me with all joy and peace. I need your powerful Holy Spirit to give me hope beyond what I can see or understand.”

Because here’s the thing, God is God. I am NOT. And if in His wisdom my life was better served to Him without a baby, that was what He was going to do. So while I prayed for my will if possible, I prayed for the hope, peace, and joy to contently accept HIS will above mine.

Whether or not God gave us a baby, I needed Him to change my heart. Even if this life didn’t give me what I wanted, I know He is all I need. I have Christ, I know the God of all hope, anything else is just a bonus! But sometimes (ok, a lot of the time) our emotions do not match up with that. So I regularly asked God to make me reflect His character as “the God of all hope” in the face of my hopeless circumstances. Very much a “Sometimes God calms the storm and sometimes He calms His child” kind of moment.

Because of our story, I’m in constant contact with those in the wait and those who have lost babies. And time and time again, this is what I ask God to do for them. I ask God to bring hope to the ones who see no hope. Who have no blessing in their arms. I ask God to give them joy. To give peace. Because when you’re in a season that has you powerless, you need the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Romans couldn’t save themselves. There was NOTHING they could do but throw themselves at the mercy of God. And life has a way of putting us in that same position.

You may not be experiencing infertility or child loss right now, but I feel like most people are carrying some kind of burden. Whatever it is I’m asking this for you: “Now may the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Katie Burgess