Those in Christ can never be hopeless

Today I want to remind you of a wonderful truth, that Christians can never be without hope.

To have joy in the world we live in, we need to have hope. Hopeless people are often joyless people.

Our hope is not simply blind optimism. But those with it can be optimistic.

Hope extends the faith we have today, into the future God has for us. Faithless people have no choice but to walk into a hopeless future.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:24,25

The scripture that stands out when looking at the hope we have is found in Romans 5.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. –  Romans 5:1-5

This scripture has always encouraged me to keep on going no matter what, because God just might be doing something in me as I keep going. This gives me hope.

It points out that we have been justified by faith. This is not something produced by men, or something we earned by our own endeavour. This faith is the gift of God.

Through that God given faith we can enjoy peace through Jesus Christ, even in a chaotic world. This faith also gives us access to the grace which gives us the ability each day to stand. As we stand up under His grace, we have the chance to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. That is the sure promise of God’s glory.

This is more than enough to carry us through hard times. Even through tribulations, we have the hope that God is at work and producing perseverance which in turn leads to character. I believe this is not just an improvement to our existing character, but a whole new character from God. Because this character is from God, it is productive and it produces hope.

This hope is not a wish, or a fantasy, this is God given hope, which always leads to the gifts of God. This is hope which does not disappoint. Those who walk in this hope, can enjoy the love of God which has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit and, if the presence of God is our desire, this becomes the fulfilment of our hope.

Even when hard times come, we always have a hope. God has always had plans to give us hope.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. – Jeremiah 29:11,12

Hope came to the world in the form of Jesus Christ and is still our hope now and always.

If you feel hopeless, then put your faith in Jesus. If you have faith and are facing trials, then rejoice, because hope is being produced in your patience. This hope will never disappoint.

Hope has a name, His name is Jesus!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. – 1 Peter 1:3-12

Be filled with His hope and be incredibly blessed today.