December 15 • Unseen Hope 

In the middle of the race, we don’t get to see the finish line. We grit our teeth, take a deep breath, and push through, because we know there is an end, even if we can’t see it now. In the middle of our struggles and heartaches and frustrations, we don’t get to see the resolution. Will we push through the pain and live by hope, even though we can’t see the end? Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. [Romans 8:24-25]

Live by what you know to be true. Stick to your principles. Now is not the time to give in or get impatient. Double down on discipline and self-control. Run faster than before, even though you are tired. You will be looking back someday with either pride or embarrassment, and this is the moment where you choose which one it will be. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [1 Corinthians 9:25-26]