Our Wait for Glory

Written by Andrew Foo

When you try your best, but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
- Coldplay, “Fix You”

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
- Romans 8:20-25

“Subjected to Futility”

Have you ever felt like this? Have you ever felt frustrated when things just don’t go your way, when relationships turn sour, when your parents just don’t understand you? Have you felt utterly worthless as you consider how insignificant you are to your friends, how troublesome you are to your parents, how small you are to this world – a world that drives you crazy, flings you around, and then runs you into the ground? Sometimes you feel on top of the world. But your heart is crushed by someone or something, and you feel as if God doesn’t see you, hear you, or care about you.

Or perhaps you haven’t felt this way. Life seems pretty smooth-sailing, and you are generally happy with life. You do not have major problems with friends, family, or school. Indeed, there is so much in life to rejoice in. This is our Father’s world, and “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Yet the time will come when you may feel exhausted, worn out, and knocked out. Schoolwork overwhelms you, the happiest songs cannot soothe your heart, and your best friends cannot be there for you when you want them to. You will feel restless, tired, and weak.

No matter whether we are riding on cloud nine right now or are drowning, swallowed in the sea, there is futility, the bully we cannot run from. This is because we, together with every tree and every sigh, every star in every sky, have been “subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20). We are bonded to corruption and we cannot escape. Yet escape we will try. For we were subjected – but “not willingly” (Romans 8:20). We are birds trapped in a cage, army boys confined for a long weekend, castaways on a barren island. We’re locked inside the room – but where’s the key?

“Subjected in Hope”

Hope is that key. Hope is the key that kicks down the trap-door of futility. We bask in the warmth of the sun, dance in the brightness of day, and soak in the zest of freshest air. Hope is a glorious piece in the jigsaw of our salvation, for while we were saved by grace and through faith, it is hope in which we are saved (Romans 8:24). Futility may daze our days, but hope lights our nights. For we are not only saved in hope, but also subjected “in hope” (Romans 8:21). Hope rules – and it is a delightful ruler indeed.

What, however, do we hope for? Who will save us from our futility? What will it be like? The answers for us children of God are specific, certain and splendid. Jesus Christ is the One. He came once to earth, to die in our place, and place in us life. And He is coming again! He will give us brand new bodies – bodies which are free from bruises and wounds, free from broken hearts and corrupted minds, free from tears and free from fears – free, finally, of futility! This hope is rock solid – for it is planned and promised by God Himself. He purposed all this before the foundation of the world!

“Eagerly Wait for It with Perseverance”

But until that day, what should we do? The temptation is to twiddle our thumbs. Pop our earphones in and flick the scroll-wheel. Press “play” and catch up on the latest episode of our favourite TV show. Whatsapp our friends to ask them what they are doing. These are not bad things in themselves, but what matters is our motive. Do we still hope for distraction to be our solace? For entertainment to be our refuge? For friends to be our shelter? Why do we still hope for what we see? But since we hope for the invisible – Christ and His second coming – we eagerly wait for it with perseverance! (Romans 8:24-25) Futility threatens to defeat us – but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Jesus! (1 Corinthians 15:57) So until the day dawns when our visions flood with the Fount of every blessing, let us be wait-ers – persevering through our struggles, perfecting our character, and producing great hope. (Romans 5:3-5) For one day soon, the tables will be turned, and you and I will be fixed, powerfully, beautifully, and forever. Christ is coming – let us rejoice!