Wanting Hope

Who hasn’t longed for something we don’t yet have; a different job, reconciling with a friend or family member, or healing from a prolonged illness? When what we’ve anticipated finally happens, our hearts soar with happiness.

But what if what we’ve hoped for never transpires?

We don’t know what sort of trouble we’ll encounter in our lives yet we know that all of us will encounter hardships. 

Yet, those who believe in God’s mighty kindness and love and who’ve turned from their standard of living and thinking to God’s way of living and thinking through faith in Jesus have unlimited hope; hope that goes beyond this world, themselves and the problem. 

I do not doubt that God uses human beings to meet our needs. Without doctors, counselors, pastors and friends we’d all be less likely to survive our sorrows. But, no matter what tragedy we encounter, we all have to decide on who it is we think is ultimately in charge. If I settle on the limited hope of this world, then I set my reasonable and unreasonable expectations on the people around me. And when they fail me, as any human being will do, my hope sinks and takes me down with it.  

On the other hand, if I am counting on God, who is bigger than any circumstance I encounter, then my prospects change. I cannot even fathom what might take place, but I can trust that whatever it might be, it will be something good.

In my short history with God, a mere forty years of walking by faith, I’ve noticed a pattern. No matter what catastrophe, tragedy or sorrow I experience, God has a way of transforming it into something good.

My sorrow is not eliminated, but in the midst of it there is comfort. Doubts still show themselves, but they are simply my cue to keep trusting. And though I do not know what will happen, I still experience peace. 

As a Christian I experience all the similar setbacks, surprises, disappointments and troubles of a non-believer. But I am not defeated, deflated or beaten down. Instead, I keep my hope on the only one I know whose hope is endless.

Putting my faith in God is a continual practice. I’ve never found it to be instantaneous or automatic. Step by step, thought by thought I am transformed by setting my hope on the One who gives me hope. The trials and tribulations that come my way are in some way, at some time, worked out for my good and God’s glory. 

Why Bother?

Why bother wanting hope? Unrelenting disappointment leaves us heartsick, but those who wait expectantly on God will not be disappointed. Where we place our hope is our decision to make, but the decision we make will either lead us to true hope or pseudo hope.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.