Issue 928 – Hope? – December 6, 2022
Dogs are perpetual optimists. Misty, the border collie, is putting on her best “I love you” and “please, share your pie” face. Even though only crumbs were left, she was hopeful (and disappointed in the end).
Dogs have nothing to ground their hope in and are often disappointed, but they keep trying. Hope with no foundation will always let you down eventually. A hope without basis is nothing more than a desire, a wish.
As Christians, we have true hope, a hope that is grounded in God Almighty and His promises. He is faithful to keep His Word.
Sometimes, though, we try to anchor ourselves in promises that God did not make or a misunderstanding of His promises.
God never promised that believers would be wealthy in material goods or that life as believers would be easy. He doesn’t promise that every person will be physically healed. He doesn’t promise to give us every sinful desire of our hearts. He doesn’t promise that our children will follow us in having a faith.
Then, what does He promise?
He promises to forgive the sin of believers.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
He promises us security.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30
He promises us victory.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21
The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5
There is much more that we have been promised.
What makes these promises more secure than a vague hope or wish?
The very nature of God secures them. He is the omnipotent ruler and creator of heaven and earth and is incapable of lying or changing.
Our circumstances and understanding of the promises may change, but God will never fail to keep His Word.
Hold fast to His promises.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2022 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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