How long does Hope live?

Throughout my life, traveling many places, encountering so many different people, I have found that most have something very much in common. They desire that their life count for something! That desire finds itself in the center of the meaning of Hope.

I know for myself, even with the regret I have for the many mistakes and failures I have experienced in my life, I have a Hope that I have touched the lives of some and caused them to do better things. I especially desire that the “good” I endeavored to live will leave a lasting legacy in my children.

As we come to the “P” of H.O.P.E. we will see the clear difference between the world’s approach and God’s approach. Let’s review:

Probing Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

World’s hope: We saw that the world’s hope is Hazardous! It depends on fate.

Living Hope: God’s hope brings Help from on High! We are not even dependant on ourselves! God is the source of our hope.

World’s hope: Opposition! We only see the negative side of trials.

Living Hope: Ouch! We understand that trials hit everyone, yet we can see they bring with them a tremendous opportunity for growth!

The world’s hope approaches life from a “Pot Luck” mentality. The focus is to find whatever you need to get by. With all the “whats” out in the world the table is very large. A little positive thinking, counsel from people that see life as you do, a new job, a new home, escape on vacation, whatever! We drive ourselves to look for the “what” that will renew us and give us hope that tomorrow will be better!

The Living Hope brings a Priceless Inheritance…now and forever! We don’t have to be consumed by the “what” because we know the Who that is in control. When the Sovereign of the universe is in control of your life you know that nothing is outside of the realm of the possible! Instead of anxiety, worry and busyness we spend our time resting in Him. We CAN rest because we know that His thoughts are far more than we can ever comprehend. Spend these last moments meditating and contemplating these Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 2:6–9 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

1 Peter 1:8–12 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.

Our Living Hope has the eternal perspective, not just the here and now!

The So What: When life takes a turn you did not expect, do you hurry your life to try and control it? What does it mean to you, to Rest in Him? Looking at our life in comparison to eternity, is there anything in this short time on this earth that can take away what God has in store for you in eternity? Does your hope only last as long as your body does, or do you see an eternal Hope?

E. Tomorrow!