Hope Keeps Us Going
Actions often are based on expectations about the future. We do something expecting some result. (We also often act as a result of habit or settled routine. This post is not about that.)
The stronger the expectation, the more likely we will keep going through hard times. I’m sure you can think of examples in your own life: finishing a project, graduating, running that last mile, loving a prodigal child.
“It’s always darkest before the dawn.”
In that quip, the coming dawn is the hope that keeps us going.
For Christians, our dawn is the hope laid up for us in heaven. (Colossians 1:5)
We have God-given promises about the future and the present. These promises are guaranteed, not uncertain. (See Our Hope)
Scripture often links behavior to hope
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. (Matthew 5:12)
Exult in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
We labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God. (1 Timothy 4:10)
Hebrews 11
Hebrew 11 is referred to as the faith chapter, detailing heroes of the faith. It is also the chapter of hope because these men and women were assured their hope was true.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Act in light of God-given hope
To act consistently with our God-given hope, we should:
Review the hope God has given us, not only in eternity, but in this world as well.
Believe Him!
Fix your hope completely on God.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)
Pray!
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
