SEPTEMBER 30

BELIEVING IN YOUR HOPE

“Who against hope believed in hope… he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God: being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able to perform.” (Rom. 8:18,20-21)

The word “hope” as used in the scriptures, can simply be defined as “desire combined with expectation.” It is not just wishful thinking, but bespeaks of an expectation that is assured that it will receive in due time. Our hope is derived from experience which has proven the soundness of our vision. “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4). There is a difference between hope and patience, for patience is the result of tested faith, while hope is the result of that mature character developed by such endurance.

We are being changed “from glory to glory,” but the climactic completion awaits His appearing. We have this hope, that He shall come, and when He does, it will be the hour of our total redemption.

Abraham had received his promise from God, and though severely tested, while he waited for fulfillment, “who against hope believed in hope.” One translation gives, “building on hope, in spite of hopeless circumstances.” Though human reason for hope was gone, and circumstances offered no comfort, because hope was based on a sure foundation, the promise of God, he was able to give glory to God and keep on believing in that hope. He was not bereft of hope. He might have had some hopeless circumstances, but they could not destroy the revelation which God had imparted.

Interesting that the scripture gives only one way to be devoid of your hope. “Be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard.” (Col. 1:23). Moved away – that is, set in motion, stirred up. Do not be moved away from your hope, but believe in it, and He shall fulfill all that He promised to you

Ray Prinzing