I came across this verse in my Bible reading this week, "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled" Romans 15:4. As I read it I could not help but think about so many of my friends in Christ who are in such need of hope and encouragement and are longing for the promises of God to be fulfilled. People who are struggling with a relationship, a career, a family situation, an illness, or a surgery. I talk with them and we both agree that this just does not seem to be the abundant life about which Jesus spoke. They are waiting patiently for the promises of God to be fulfilled in their life, but it just hasn't happened yet. Which is why I like this verse, because it tells me that God understands our waiting and one of the reasons he has given us the Scriptures is to give us hope and encouragement during the times of waiting.

Hospital waiting rooms can be an awkward place for people. They are crowded with people and yet you are still alone, the TV is on, but no one is paying attention, and you are left to your thoughts about your loved one while flipping through a six-month old issue of Time magazine. I have found that what most people need at a moment like that is hope and encouragement. They don't need answers and they certainly don't need empty assurances that we cannot deliver on; they need hope. I saw a sign at Lahey Clinic today that said what people in critical condition need is "realism, dignity, and love." I think those three things are important, but I couldn't help but think to myself that they also need hope. I thank God that He has given us His word and my hope is that it will provide my friends who are patiently waiting with the hope and encouragement they need to persevere through their storm.