LESSON: ROMANS 8:31-39

Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:5

God’s children must learn to combine their works with hope. God can delay results and sometimes deems it fitting to do so. If God keeps you in suspense for a time and lets you work in the sweat of your brow without immediate result, do not straightway conclude that your work has been in vain. You must be wise, learn to recognize your God, and know how to put your trust in Him. In the end, He will make His presence felt for you and give you more than you need.

If God keeps you in suspense for a time, say to yourself: “St. Peter was also kept in suspense for a time and later endowed with rich gifts.” So, entrust the matter to His good and gracious will and do not lose hope, and your works will become golden and acceptable to Him.

Hope waits patiently and perseveres when God delays His help and does not intervene as soon as we would prefer it. He has to make additional contribution here and hang some costly stones on your works to make them important. The most precious stone is faith, but the works of unbelievers are of straw. They are not built on faith.

SL 11:1309 (14)

PRAYER: Your promises and assurances to us, heavenly Father, are always sure and certain. May we always work in the certain hope that, when it is best for us, You will help us and bestow rich blessings on us, in and through Christ our Savior. Amen.

Editor’s note: No American Edition (AE) equivalent for today’s sermon excerpt exists at the time of this publication. For an alternate English translation of this sermon, see Lenker, Church Postil—Gospels, 4:131-140.