Hope

By Capazin Thornton

 

Hope greater than a tree

Did you know that even a tree that has been cut down has hope?

For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease; though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant. —Job 14:7-8

Dear one, God’s plans for you are far greater than those he has for a tree!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. —Jer 29:11

Abraham hoped against all hope

Abraham was 75 years old when God promised to make of him a great nation. He said He would bless Abraham, make his name great, make him a blessing, and bless all who blessed Abraham. (Gen 12:1-3)

When Abraham was 99 years old, God appeared to him and promised that Abraham’s wife Sarah (90 and barren) would have a child whose name would be Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old, when Isaac was born. (Gen 17:1, 17:15-16, 17:19, 21:1-5)

 There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, “You will have many descendants.”—Rom 4:18, ERV

Abraham had faith in God. Despite bleak-looking circumstances, he steadfastly believed that God would bring to pass what He had promised. (Rom 4:21)

Keep hope alive

So, what are the keys to keep hope alive? Here are four:

1.    Believe God’s Word no matter what.

Some of you have suffered devastating losses these past couple of years.  Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up. There is hope of recovery for you. God is faithful. He will never leave you down in a set of circumstances that are against you.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. —Rom 8:28

To hope against hope is to continue to hope despite the circumstances. Keep trusting God. Find hope in His Word. Continue believing that with God all things are possible. Mk 9:23, 10:27.

2.    Speak words of life.

Don’t say “My bones are dried up, there is no hope.”	Speak life to those dry bones. Speak life to your body. Call yourself blessed, healthy, whole and sound. (See Ezek 34.7.)
Never agree with the devil who says there is no hope for your children.	Declare that your children have not been brought forth for trouble, “for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.” (Isa 65:23)

3.    Rejoice in the Lord.

Continually rejoicing in the Lord is a vital key to keeping hope alive. David wrote, “But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.” (Ps 71:14) Sing new songs to the Lord. Thank God for all the good things He has given you. Declare His goodness, faithfulness, and grace.

4.    Keep a confident expectation.

God is gracious, disposed to show favor. He is faithful. And He is able to do superabundantly above all we ask or think. (Eph 3:20).

 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Rom 15:13

 

Share your experience of hoping against all odds and receiving what you believed God for (or any other comments regarding the blog).