Hope - BeStrong Ministries

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What is Hope?

We frequently use the word "hope". I hope it rains. I hope I get the job. I hope the cancer is in remission. We even say, “Don’t get your hopes up.” If you turned to the Thesaurus, you would find synonyms for hope such as faith, expectation, confidence, belief, or trust. Hope is an earnest expectation that some purpose or object will be fulfilled or obtained. "To hope in something" conveys trusting in or relying upon something so that the object desired will be granted. One might hope (trust) that he will get the promotion because he is the most qualified and has earned it. One might hope (trust) that it will be sunny because the weather forecast calls for sunny weather. In these examples, our common sense and experience tell us that these desires and plans have a high chance of fulfillment.
But believing I will get the job because I deserve it doesn't guarantee I will receive the promotion. Which leads to the next question. Is there false hope? Absolutely. We can rely on (trust) ourselves. We can hope that our abilities, our accomplishments or our hard work will bring the goal for which we strive. Or we can cross our fingers and hope that good luck or good fortune, perhaps destiny, will give us the things for which we hope. We can hope on others. Maybe the goodwill or compassion of others will simply grant us the thing we desire. But we all know of times that these “hopes” and reliance’s failed us. Which begs the question, "Does a true, certain and reliable hope exist?" Yes!

The one true, certain, reliable hope for our lives is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The one true, certain, reliable hope for our lives is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Genuine hope does not and cannot exist apart from the Gospel of Christ. Believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ doesn't only effect our eternity; it effects our daily lives with an abundance of hope and grace freely given through the Cross of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t mean that if we adhere to a strict religious life then God becomes a “blank check” where we can write in any desire we wish and He will grant it. No! Hoping in Christ means we have an abundance of peace and strength (and so much more!) over and above the limits of our circumstances and fears.

Jesus Christ has conquered both death and despair

Jesus Christ has conquered both death and despair. He alone has the power to take away your hopelessness. But the good news doesn’t stop there. Jesus Christ not only has the power and the ability, but also the DESIRE to offer a solution of hope! He made a way through the Cross (His death and resurrection) to have a personal relationship with you. In this fallen and corrupt world, He knows the hardships and despair you suffer. And He provides hope. He isn’t promising a care-free life, granting your every whim and desire. But He is promising you genuine, life-altering HOPE. Can you imagine a life overflowing with hope that will never fade or diminish? Can you imagine peace that no circumstance can alter or weaken? Can you imagine contentment, that isn’t based on performance or acquiring? Jesus Christ can give such a life to you—and more!

The only true source for hope is Jesus Christ

Biblical hope is based on the work of Jesus Christ, not our own. It isn't about our accomplishments; it is about Christ's. It isn't about the merit you earn with God; it is about Jesus' work of salvation on the Cross and His resurrection, where He conquered sin and death. It isn't adherence to a religion, or dogma or a set of rules. Hope requires someone in which a faith or expectation is placed. In Biblical hope, that object of expectation or confidence is Jesus Christ. Therefore, faith in Christ is integral before one can claim true hope as their own. If you have never believed in or relied on the finished work of the Cross in your life, and want to know more, click here.

How do faith and hope interact?

Hope requires faith. Whether it is hoping your hard work will reap dividends or whether you hope God will follow through on His promises, faith is required. Biblical hope is impossible apart from Jesus Christ; it requires faith in Christ. Hope is a confident, expectant faith that believes God is able and willing to fulfill His promises.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

Hope is a confident, expectant faith that believes God is able and willing to fulfill His promises.

As believers in Christ, we believe by faith that we will be resurrected from the dead unto eternal life with God. We believe by faith, that God has forgiven our sins. We believe by faith all of God's promises. God places a great emphasis on faith. In Hebrews 11:6, He says it is impossible to please Him without faith. Does all of this seem a bit hard to understand or believe, i.e. a bit much to swallow? Jesus understood how difficult it is for us to believe in something or someone we cannot see. Did you know Thomas, one of the original twelve apostles, had the same struggle? John 20:24-29 recounts the story about Thomas' difficulty believing the other disciples when they said Jesus had risen from the dead. Thomas said he wouldn't believe unless he physically saw and touched Jesus himself. When Jesus later appeared to Thomas, Jesus told Thomas to touch His scarred wounds. Jesus added that blessed are those who believe without seeing.
In short, we all exercise faith on a daily basis; even in the simple tasks, like driving. When I drive down the road, I trust (by faith) that the other drivers will stay in their lanes. I trust I will receive a paycheck when I work. I trust, by faith, that I will have electricity in my house because I paid the power bill. The essence of the problem isn't exercising our faith. The critical question is in whom/what do we place our faith? Are you placing your faith in yourself; your accomplishments, your works, your merits? Or are you absolutely, 100%, placing your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross? If you believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then your hope is certain.

So I challenge you, in whom or in what are you placing your faith?

What Does Genuine Hope Look Like?

False hope produces despair and loss and often feels like the slow process of dying. One is hopeful or expectant something will happen, and when it doesn't discouragement and despair follow. False hope suffocates and stagnates as it demoralizes, disappoints, discourages, confuses, confounds and causes bitterness to take root like a cancer. But what does true hope based in Christ produce? Biblical hope produces peace, strength, security, contentment and certainty. Some Scriptures to consider --

Hope...

Is a sure and steadfast anchor of our soul – Hebrews 6:19
Results in praise regardless of our situation or circumstances – Psalm 42:5,11, 71:14
Brings rest – Psalm 16:9, Acts 2:26
Gives strength, especially during hardships – Psalm 31:24, I Timothy 4:10
Does not cause shame – Psalm 25:2, 69:6; Romans 5:5
Gives and sustains life – 1 Peter 1:3
Brings joy – Psalm 146:5
Gives hope in death – Proverbs 14:32
Gives us a good future – Jeremiah 29:11
Is a blessed, good and generous hope – Titus 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Is the helmet of salvation, a part of the armor of God – 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Ephesians 6:17
Penetrates the Veil, the Holy of Holies - Hebrews 6:19, 20

Biblical hope produces peace, strength, security, contentment and certainty

Hope and the Promises of God

Hope and the promises of God are closely linked. In the Bible, God gives us His promises. Faith believes His words and promises are true and reliable. Hope believes they will be fulfilled. Hope is certain because it is based on the character and power of God. Those who hope in the promises of God will NEVER be disappointed. I must clarify that it is not our believing or faith that actually makes God follow through on His promises. God is faithful whether I believe He is faithful or not. God's character remains the same, even when I doubt His character. Let me repeat, hope is certain because it is based on Christ, not me.

"Omnipotence is His, and He can never on any ground of incapacity, break down on any promises (Numbers 23:19). What simplicity there is in Him and in all His promises (2 Corinthians 11:3). May ours be that simplicity of faith enabling us to take Him at His word (2 Corinthians 1:12)" (Dr. Herbert Lockyear)

Hope is certain because it is based on the character and power of God. Those who hope in the promises of God will never be disappointed.

The promises of God are inexhaustible, beyond fatigue. Many times, they are beyond the scope of our comprehension, yet fully attainable because they are based upon the grace of God. In a word, limitless.

When considering the promises of God, I encourage you to keep four supremely important truths in mind:

Grace - the promises of God are based on the works and merits of Christ. God's promises are not fulfilled or limited based on your performance, your merits, or your belief. They are based on Christ alone! As believers in Christ Jesus, you are adopted sons and daughters of God; you are an important member of God's family.
Omnipotence of God - God has the power and ability to fulfill EVERY promise. Nothing is too hard for Him or beyond the realm of His control. Jeremiah 32:17
God's desire - Not only does God have the power to fulfill His promises, but also the desire. He earnestly desires to give His children the best. James 1:17 says every good and perfect gift comes from God.
God's character - consider four important aspects of God's character

He never changes - He will not make a promise, and later change His mind
He is Sovereign - nothing is beyond His control or beyond His plans and purposes
He IS love - He wants the very best for His children
He is faithful - He will never rescind (revoke/withdraw) His Word. He always follows through with His promises

The omnipotence and character of God are a guarantee that His Word is reliable and He will fulfill His promises. Consider some of the following verses in the Bible.

Nothing is too hard for God to accomplish.

"Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)
"And Jesus looking upon them saith, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.'" Mark 10:27 (KJV)
"And he [Jesus] said, 'The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.'" Luke 18:27 (KJV)

He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." Romans 4:20-21 (KJV)
"Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." Isaiah 46:11b (KJV)

God's character doesn't change.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
For I am the Lord, I change not;" Malachi 3:6a (KJV)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17 (ESV)

Hope gives us assurance that God will fulfill His promises. Likewise, the promises give us hope.

God loves you. He will never fail you or forget you. Many times, we see a delay in the fulfillment of His words and promises as meaning God doesn't care or perhaps He really isn't Sovereign. It is important to remember that God doesn't work on our timeline. Because God's promises are not fulfilled according to our timeline, it does not indicate God is unfaithful and/or doesn't have the desire or power to carry through with His promises. Herbert Lockyear writes, "The fact that God has dated His promises according to His Sovereign will and His infinite knowledge of what is best, does not in the least diminish their value, nor render their final accomplishment less certain. When some of these promises are to be realized may be unknown to us, but God never fails, never changes His mind, never forgets and can never die."

God will never leave you and will always be your Comforter and Advocate (John 14:16). God protects and comforts (Psalm 23:4).

" Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."
(Psalm 31:24 KJV)

God will not abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:6,8; Psalm 94:14; John 14:18).

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." (Psalm 9:10 KJV)

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." (Psalm 55:22 KJV)

"There is only one thing our loving God ever forgets and that is the sins of the believer (Hebrews 10:17). There is one thing He never forgets, and that is the soul redeemed by the precious blood of His beloved Son (Isaiah 49:16)." Dr. Herbert Lockyear

The promises of God are totally dependable. No power in heaven, hell or earth can alter His promises!

"The worth and excellency of the promises are enhanced by the evidences that every one of them can be realized. Behind every promise we have the Word and oath of Him who cannot lie, that so by these promises we might have consolation. Christ is made our Surety, not only of all God's promises, which He ratified by His own blood (Hebrews 7:22), but of all the promises concerning His blood-washed children. As 'the Truth' (John 14:6), He will ever act in harmony with His own nature." (Herbert Lockyear)

"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you."
(Psalm 9:9-10 NLT)

"For He has not ignored or belitted the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned His back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help."
(Psalm 22:24 NLT)

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the LORD your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.'" (Isaiah 41:10, 13 NLT)

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'"
Matthew 11:28 NLT

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety." (Psalm 18:2 NLT)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1 KJV)

"My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
He is mine forever."
Psalm 73:26 NLT

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24 KVJ)

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8 KJV)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:27 KJV)

"So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again;
then you will rejoice. No one can rob you of that joy."
John 16:22 NLT (emphasis added)

"In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
Let Your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in You alone."
Psalm 33:21-22 NLT

“Christian hope is securely based upon the words and actions of God. The promises of God have proven to be dependable. The resurrection of Jesus becomes the ultimate basis for hope. Since God has already overcome death through Christ, the Christian can live with confidence in the present. No matter how dark the present age seems, the Christian has seen the light to come. People need hope, and hope placed in the personal promise of God is secure.”
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

An excellent summation of genuine, Biblical hope as a believer and disciple of Jesus Christ is as follows.
“Christian faith is essentially faith in God who raised Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:21). This God towards whom the Christian directs his faith is called the ‘God of hope’, who can fill the believer with joy and peace, and enable him to abound in hope (Romans 15:13). Because of the resurrection, the Christian is saved from the miserable condition of having his hope in Christ limited to this world only (1 Corinthians 15:19). Christ Jesus is his Hope for time and eternity (1Timothy 1:1). His call to be Christ’s disciple carries with it the hope of finally sharing his glory (Ephesians 1:18). His hope is laid up for him in heaven (Colossians 1:5) and will be realized when his Lord is revealed (1 Peter 1:13). The existence of this hope makes it impossible for the Christian to be satisfied with transient joys (Hebrews 13:14); it also acts as a stimulus to purity of life (1 John 3:2-3) and enables him to suffer cheerfully. It is noticeable how often hope is associated in the N[ew] T[estament] with ‘patience’ or ‘steadfastness’. (see 1 Thessalonians 1”3; Romans 5:3-5).” New Bible Dictionary