Our Hope ... to share

We've discussed at our breakfasts that many around us will face hardship and extra stress with the economy in recession, and some without work. I'm so thankful that followers of Jesus Christ can have hope in any circumstances we find ourselves in.


The dictionary has a couple of definitions for hope that I thought were applicable:

1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
2. A person or thing in which expectations are centered.


We know that God is in control and has a plan, and the end of the book says, the good guys win. We also know that Jesus is the person in which all our expectations are centered. He is our hope!



Man has always recognized the importance of hope as stated by Orison Marden, “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.”



Here are some versus that point out some key Biblical principles about hope:

• Without Christ there is no hope. Ephesians 2:11-12 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

• In Christ we have hope. Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

• God’s Word, the Bible, gives us encouragement and hope. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

• As followers of Christ, we should share our hope with others. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
  

Our blessed hope in Jesus is not only for saving the lost, but for encouraging Christians as we struggle in life. A key biblical principle statement about hope useful for counseling follows:

YOUR HOPE

No matter how difficult any situation appears, the Lord Jesus Christ has overcome it. God will not allow anything into your life that is beyond His control or beyond your ability to endure without sinning. Trials are for your good; and, as you respond biblically, give opportunity for the power of God to show forth in your life. In difficulties, God’s comfort and sustaining care are available to you.

As you or those around you face dark or scary times, remember your hope, and the anonymous quote: "Don't lose hope. When it gets darkest, the stars come out!"