The believer's brand of "hope" has nothing to do with wishful thinking. Our hope is based on knowledge and not "wouldn't it be nice." Our hope means God is spiritually present with us strengthening us to live our lives knowing we'll be in His physical Presence one day. Our hope leads us to sacrifice for the Giver of Hope, knowing He'll reward us then. We witness now because those who accept Christ will share eternity with us then.
My love for learning leads me to think like a student and a teacher so I compare living out our hope to choosing whether or not to study in college. First of all, if we've accepted Christ we've already passed the most important exam and we're in "college" so to speak. Now it's up to us to see what we can do with this amazing opportunity and responsibility. Will we sacrifice and work hard to earn greater benefits and rewards or will we slack and hope to scrape by with minimum effort? God won't kick us out of "college," but maybe we need a reality check on how a life overflowing with hope could make an eternal difference for us and for those watching us. Something tells me we'd hit the Book, complete our assignments, tutor anyone who needed help, find ways to succeed in each class, join a service club, and look forward to a strong finish at graduation.
Father, You've blessed us with opportunity after opportunity. Show us how to make the most of them. Fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in You to empower us. You're our Anchor, our Holy of Holies, and we love and praise You. Thank You for the glimpses of heaven You give us now. May we bless You with our willingness to be used by You today.
In the Name of Jesus whose sure hope led Him to change the world.
"Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:23-25
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20
"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
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