by Kala Loptien

The Ultimate Silver Lining

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“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, ESV

“There’s always a silver lining.” Ah, yes. A trusty standby when we see a break in the clouds during a stormy season. It’s a canned phrase that comes out of our mouths when others are experiencing hardship and hurt. I would venture to guess that 99% of the time, we are only able to recognize silver linings when we look back. Sometimes the here and now is too cloudy, or possibly just a full-fledged thunderstorm! Our vision becomes too blurred to see the bright side while our mind ends up overwhelmed by the clamor of life’s challenges.

If we can be transparent with one another, let’s consider these questions: What is hope? Where do we find it? And how do we continue to cling to the one true hope when life (inevitably) presents us with trials? Let’s start with what hope isn’t. Hope is not self-made. It is not our careers, our possessions or achievements. We most certainly cannot expect to place hope on the shoulders of our loved ones or friends. That isn’t fair. We all fail each other. We’re all in the same boat: broken, sinful and in need.

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.”
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 English Standard Version

We need our Savior. We need that blessed assurance. We NEED that one true hope. He never breaks promises. He never fails. He never leaves us. Take a deep breath while you let that flood your soul. The next time you are in need of a silver lining, let the spirit move you to prayer or the Word. You’ll find Him there, waiting.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado