INTO HIS IMAGE – HOPE
The Bible is replete with examples of HOPE infused by God. We see this in the garden of Eden when God covered Adam and Eve. In so doing, He gave them HOPE for future life. He essentially said to them, “I know you messed up, but I’m going to cover you up with my own garments of skin. His covering is our hope. He gives us many amazing promises to believe in, to hope for and then tells us in Romans 5:5, that our HOPE will never disappoint …He assures us that He is not a man who should lie (Numbers 23:19)and tells us that our hope comes from him.
He invites us to be joyful in hope because He knows the certainty of the realization of His Hope in us. I particularly like Psalm 42:5, where David cries out “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your Hope in God.” We can command our soul to HOPE, no matter how dismal the situation. Hope goes hand in hand with FAITH for it is the substance of what we hope for. It is not theoretical. It is solid. It is guaranteed.
Today, I visualize my hope with wings flying to me from heaven to earth. My hope in God shall not disappoint. (Romans 5:5)Nor shall I be ashamed because of my hope in Him. Even though my hope may be deferred and has the potential to make my heart momentarily sick (Proverbs 13:12), I shall focus on the assurance of the character of the ONE in whom my hope is centered. Because I know that faith is the substance of my hope, (Hebrews 11:1), I know the outcome is real and tangible. For I know that my God is the guarantee of my Hope; the substance, light and life that illuminates it and calls it into reality. (Romans 4:17). I also know that He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk. uprightly (Psalm 84:11). So today, I look from Heaven’s perspectives at the reality and substance of the things I hope for and see them materialize here on earth. “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Mathew 6:10)
The reality of my hope is in sight. I can see it, feel it, taste it and almost touch it. While it’s near it is not within my earthly reality yet. During this stage, my heart is tempted to become sick when I believe that my hope is being deferred. Rather, my perspective is that it’s not deferred, but perfectly planned for the right time, the right purpose and the right alignment. I must know that my hope shall be fulfilled for my God delights in me and in bringing His plan, promises, possibilities from heaven to earth.
People are watching my journey. They know that there is greater to come and are closely observing my choices. It’s critical that I’m honest and vulnerable before God and others. I cannot hide or pretend with God and I choose not to with man. Therefore, my opportunities as I HOPE in God, are to be real. To choose joy in my waiting; To never give up hope; To take my eyes off the object of my hope and place it on the ONE in whom all my hope rests. No matter the outcome, I will choose to praise and worship the One who gives me hope to hope.
During my waiting season, I will encourage others to hope and ask at least one person what they are hoping for. My goal is to partner with them through prayer, affirmation and the Word. And, as God permits, partner with Him in realizing His hope in others.