THOSE WHO HOPE
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping...
Romans 4:18a (NLT)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Disciples of Jesus are people of hope. In a world that relies on human effort and feels uncertain about the future, hope is our secret weapon. Oftentimes, we use the word hope to mean preference or possibility. Biblical hope is different. It's not uncertain. It's anchored in the unchanging nature of God. Faith is the confidence that God will be faithful in the present. Hope is the confidence that He will continue being faithful in the future. Biblical hope isn't optimism or denial. It's confidence in the character of God, even before we see the outcome.
* Hope kept Hannah from resentment after years of being barren.
* Hope helped David anticipate the Lord's answer.
* Hope moved the bleeding woman to reach for Jesus.
* Hope gave Esther the courage to stand for her people.
* Hope kept Abraham believing God's promise.
Scripture is filled with people who kept trusting God before they ever saw the promise fulfilled. Hope waits for the Lord's voice. It expects God's goodness even in uncertainty. Hope stirs faith. It becomes the foundation of joy. Hope heals what longing takes from us. It keeps us fighting, believing and moving forward. It allows grief to run its course while still believing joy comes in the morning.
Hope lifts our eyes to the character of God instead of trapping us in our circumstances. Why? Because our hope is not found in the resolution of our circumstances but in the person of Jesus. As disciples of Jesus, our future is bright. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He's not only coming back for us one day, but is also present with us right now. That means even when circumstances are dark, redemption feels impossible, addiction seems too strong, or reconciliation feels far away, we get to hope.
We live in a world desperate for hope. We feel that longing inside our own hearts and see it in those around us. We don't have to fabricate optimism. We get to hope in something greater than ourselves. Hope remains because He remains. And that's good news.
APPLICATION: Where in your life do you need renewed hope? Bring it before the Lord and ask Him to remind you of His faithfulness.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for the hope that's found in You. Teach me to live with my hope set on You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?