“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).

“Is it Christmas yet?! Do we still have to wait?” My home has been ringing with these phrases for weeks! The tree is up, the stockings hung, the presents not quite wrapped. Christmas is coming! But to my kids, the wait seems endless and frustrating.

If I’m honest, I also ask “yet/still” questions of a different sort. Mine are brought on by the mundane demands of daily life or by trials that overstay their welcome. (“Is it over yet? Are we still in this same place? Is my heart still struggling with this same thing?”) I get frustrated with where I am and lose sight of God’s love for me and others.

Romans 5 sets my thoughts on the right course. My greatest “yet/still” in life was completely transformed by the cross! While I was yet weak, while I was still a sinner, while I could never be a righteous person, that was the moment Christ died for me.

When I feel stuck and begin to doubt the love of my Father, this passage gives me great courage. He did not turn away from me when I was yet weak and still a sinner. Instead, He poured out forgiveness and love. It’s the same love that He pours into my heart daily through His Word, His Spirit, and His people as I walk through the “yet/still” challenges of life. My frustration is transformed into praise because of the love of Jesus!