Hope

Hope is 'the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best'.

I've been thinking a lot about hope over the last few weeks. I've especially been looking at it in light of the Gospel and faith.

What is the Gospel without the hope that Jesus brings through his death and resurrection and what is faith without the hope that comes from knowing a loving Father who can do anything.

Indeed, the opposite of hope is hopelessness and this has to be one of the worst places to be. A place where you have resigned yourself to a position that cannot and will not change. This position is often known as a stronghold;

“Any idea or thought impregnated or full of hopelessness, that causes us to think that something is true, contrary to the word and will of God.’

To combat this we need to have a revelation of the truth found in the character of God, the example of Jesus and the working of the Holy Spirit. We need others to encourage and to speak this truth to us and live it with us.

If we, as the Church, are not sharing and modelling a message of hope to this world, then what are we?

Paul's letter to the Romans talks a lot of this hope, so check that out! Here is a snippet;

Romans 5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

I will also put up some quotes from people on this subject of hope.