Believers in Jesus Christ always have a reason to hope. Hope changes everything because it positions us to see all the ways God is present and providing even during the struggles of life.
Romans 15:13 speaks of hope. It says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (New International Version)
We serve the God of hope. No other god offers life-changing or life-sustaining hope. Biblical hope is more than a feeling. It is more than a desire for life to turn out the way we planned. Biblical hope is trustful expectation regarding the promises of God. What does this mean for you and me? It means that God’s Word provides hope when applied to our lives. In short, we can claim the promises of God and we should follow the precepts found in God’s Word. When we do, hope is cultivated in and through us.
Have you ever wondered why hope is at the center of our Christian faith? God’s Word shares many reasons. I am excited to explore three of them with you!
Hope is ours because Jesus rose from the grave. The moment that Jesus rose from the grave, sin and death were defeated. Because this world is plagued by sin, things like death, disease, and dismay exist. However, ultimate victory over sin was accomplished through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection which paved the way for individuals to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The moment we accept Jesus as our Savior, life-changing hope is experienced in us.
Hope is ours because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit seals us and we are forever a child of God. This means that as a follower of Jesus, we do not face any situation, hard or easy, on our own. The Holy Spirit teaches, convicts, comforts, empowers, intercedes, and indwells us. In fact, the word ‘power’ that is used in Romans 15:13 means, “to be able.” Never forget that the Holy Spirit empowers us and turns our area of weakness into an area for His strength to be on display.
Hope is ours because this world is not our home. In the midst of brokenness, hardship, and pain, we can know that what happens in this world is not the end of the story. Every child of God leaves this world and goes to their real home in heaven with God. This reality does not take away the sting of death, but it does give hope as we look forward to the day when loved ones will worship the Lord together and be reunited once again
Embracing God means embracing hope. Hope reminds us that God is great and that He is good. Hope also reminds us that restoration and healing are always possible in Jesus’ Name.
If you find yourself in a hopeless situation, turn to God for help. He is able and willing to meet you at your greatest point of need and heal you in Jesus’ Name. No matter how overwhelming your situation appears to be, your life can be changed, and your life can proclaim God’s hope, peace and power!
Over the next three months, we are going to talk about hope in the Girl on the Go Community. We are going to define hope, celebrate hope, and share practical ways to cultivate hope. I think all of us can agree that our world needs real and lasting hope.
I invite you to take part in our hope-filled adventure by following along at www.andrealennonministry.org and by joining the Girl on the Go private Facebook Community. Friend, God offers His hope to you. I pray that you will find Him to be your source of hope during the ups and downs of life!