Hope

Hope is in our risen Lord.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade- kept in heaven for you…” (1Peter 1:3).  He has given of a living hope through his living Word that stands forever. Heaven and earth will pass away, but not our hope. This is how we stand in times of trouble in our world. Go to scripture and be reminded and strengthened in this hope.

“On Him we set our hope.”  (2 Cor. 1:10). Fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:1).  This is hard in a world that is increasingly becoming more secular and even intolerant of Christians. Persecution will increase; sadly Jesus foretold it.  So where do we go? We return to the promises of God, some 7,500 promises. In Zechariah 9:12 the prophet says, “Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” He goes on to say that the Lord will appear and his covenant promises will be fulfilled.

So, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15). He goes on to say to do this with gentleness and respect for it is better to be in God’s will and suffer for doing good than evil. We are bearers of the Light, so let us let our lights shine always and especially when we don’t feel like it. Don’t separate yourself from other believers, for they are going through the same things and you must lift each other up and encourage one another.

Hope is not some wish or slogan. It is a covenant promise. He is our ever- present help and hope in times of trouble.  Therefore, let’s turn to Paul’s Romans to secure our hope. He tells us that our love must be always sincere as we cling to what is good, never lacking in zeal. In Romans 12:12 he says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.”  Yes, patient, eagerly waiting by faith through the Spirit of righteousness for which we hope, Paul tells the Galatians.

Hope, like faith is not always visible, but is evidence of things hoped for.  So we keep on, keeping on. And it is my prayer through my favorite verse in the New Testament, “May the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13).