Hope

HOPE

Hope is the optimistic attitude of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include; to expect with confidence and to cherish a desire with anticipation.

Hope comes into its own when crisis looms, opening us to new creative possibilities.

Hope is the driving force that gives a pregnant woman who is about due to give birth to get into a crowded inflated boat and cross the sea from a dangerous zone to hopeful safety.

Hope can help people heal faster and easier. Individuals who maintain hope, especially when battling illness, significantly enhance their chances of recovery.

Hope is one of the three virtues of Christianity along with faith and love. The word hope in the Bible is a strong expectation of future reward. In Titus 1:2 Paul said his aim was to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end.

Rom 15:4 tells us that. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Stories of hope are threaded through out the Bible from Genesis to Revelation;

of Noah, Abraham, Nehemiah, Daniel, Ruth Deborah and others.

Hope sustained a lady who lived in an emotional abusive relationship for over 30 years. She was also in a business partnership with the abuser until her mind and body could no longer sustain the pain. She ended up in a woman’s shelter. The years of abuse took its tole on the children, one of them living on the streets, another who wrecked her car and lost her license due to being under the influence.

During these painful years she never gave up hope. She never gave up on the fact that God loved her. She is on the path to recovery and filled with hope.

Hope says that in spite of the fact that sin and death still rules the world, somehow Jesus has conquered them and in some unforeseeable time He will return bringing peace and healing to the nations.

Paul says in 1 Cor 15:19 If only for this life we have hope, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Hope that we are each known by our name. Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. Isaiah 43:1

In spite of the fact that secular humanism dominates our culture and has played its role in our governments, educational institutions, our homes and yes even in our places of worship; we must never lose hope.

When the angel approached Gideon to deliver Israel from the enemy, Gideon’s response was, “If the Lord is with us why has all this happened; but Lord how can I save Israel, my clan is the weakest of the pack?” After God reduces his army from 32,000 to 300, He blows the trumpets and actually wins without fighting!

Our God is alive and well and has all things under control and hope is rising across our land.

In a world notorious for dashing any ray of hope, may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13