Day 49
Hope Review
In many ways, this hope study has been an attempt to recover authentic Christian hope, the kind of hope that motivated the earliest Christians to endure suffering and show compassion:
- The hope inspired by Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, which can comfort me personally with the promise that I will rise — but can also comfort me about the future of all of creation, since the Bible sees Christ’s resurrection as a sure sign that God will bring His kingdom to earth
- The hope that follows from the conviction that ultimately God is in control of history
- The hope that grows from the promise that not even one cup of water, or any other good deed done in the name of Christ, will go unrewarded
- The hope that comes from knowing that absolutely everything that happens to me, even suffering, will be used by God to grow me and others into Christ-like character
That is unshakable hope!
We started seven weeks ago by posing four questions:
What is my view of God?
Christian hope says God loves me and plans the best for me.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. [Psalm 62:5–6]
What is my view of myself?
Christian hope says I have God’s unlimited power in me for whatever lies ahead.
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called — his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead… [Ephesians 1:18–20a NLT]
What will the future bring?
Christian hope says I have an unshakable inheritance! Plus God has a plan for me for good, and not for evil.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
What is the outcome of suffering?
Christian hope says God will use every hard time in my life for His perfect plan, and the outcome of suffering will be Christ-likeness.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]
Here’s my hope for you and me — the verse that started this whole experience seven weeks ago:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]
Question to Consider
How have I seen this emphasis on Christian hope make a difference in my life?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for all my reasons for hope. May I be a Christ-follower overflowing with hope to those all around me!
