“...He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1 Peter 1:3
Hope is a great piece of medicine for many struggles in life. It is a "free throw" away from victory in basketball in the waning seconds of the game, it is a few steps away from the finish line in the race, it is knowing your dad has never lied to you, it is a peace that comes from knowing God. And above all it is a gift from God.
Dale Carnegie once said, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” One of the primary themes of the Bible is hope. The need for hope in our life is basic for all humans. It comes in many situations, and it sustains us. The undeniable picture from Scripture is that Jesus gives hope in every situation. You may need to hear this today…Jesus gives hope in the middle of your junk. Your junk might include despair, loss, pain, or fear.
But how does hope work and why does it work? First of all, hope is real, and it does exist. Hope is the possibility of assurance - and it has an incredible smile. Hope in Jesus Christ reduces feelings of helplessness, increases joy, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life. Let me say that again - Hope in Jesus Christ reduces feelings of helplessness, increases joy, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life.
When God infuses hope within us, we’re free to love other people as well as ourselves. And that’s what we need. I believe that hope in Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of strength and comfort in this life and the one to come. Jesus brings salvation and eternal life to those who trust in Him. He came to earth to demonstrate God’s love for us, and to show us the way to salvation. Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He made a way for us to be reconciled to God through His death on the cross and His resurrection. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Hope changes your outlook. It makes life better. It makes a tough situation more bearable. I hope you consider Jesus. He makes all things better. In addition to hope for salvation, God gives daily hope for living. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Hope is having confidence, and confidence gives us strength.
