“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:25
What do you hope for? Is there something that you are looking forward to, that you are patiently waiting for it to happen, but knowing that for sure it will?
For example, I hope I find that job soon that I can work at my whole career. Or, I hope I find my soulmate. You know that person that I’m supposed to be with for the rest of my life?
We have lots of things that we hope for, but of all the things we hope for, are we sure that our hope will be fulfilled? For example; If I hope to pass a test, and do not study, am I not just simply wishing for an outcome that is probably not going to happen?
I hope I win the lottery! I hope I can one day be an Olympian! Although there are not many Olympic events that an out of shape 58-year-old man can qualify for!
That creates a problem doesn’t it? If we hope for something to happen, some event to change our lives and it really isn’t very likely, it can get us to the point to where we become hope-less! It really isn’t a good thing to get to the point that we lose hope. But it also isn’t good to put our hope in things that won’t happen.
I want to tell you today of a hope that you can count on. A hope that is as sure as the sun coming up in the morning. That hope is in the promises of God! That hope can be found through what Jesus Christ has provided for the world.
Maybe, you have messed up in life and go around thinking one day I hope my family and friends can forgive me. Well, guess what, through the cross, Jesus has provided forgiveness for all that you have done, and even where you fail now and in the future. The only thing you have to do to know and receive God’s forgiveness is simply receive Christ into your heart. Or how about this one: I hope that one day I can get away from addictions and the junk that makes my life so miserable. For many people this is just wishful thinking, but through Christ there is a way out. Christ offers His Holy Spirit to give you the strength to overcome all temptations, so there is a way out of your old life!
I must close, but I want to add one more of the many things I hope for in Christ and know that it will happen. I have a hope that goes beyond the grave.
What do I mean by that? Well, I don’t have to wish that there is something beyond my dying and that I will be ok, I know there is because Jesus has promised to prepare a place for me to be with Him.
How glorious it is to put your hope in Jesus and know that His promises will come through. All I have to do is wait patiently for Him to fulfill his work in and through me!
That’s why I can sing: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!!
Dear friends, if you are looking for something to hope in, look no further than Jesus Christ!
(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)