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
