Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace[a] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we boast[c] in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5
If there was ever a time we need hope, it is now!
I hope I don’t catch the virus.
I hope masks go away soon.
I hope I can get the vaccine.
I hope they don’t force me to get the vaccine.
I hope gas prices don’t skyrocket.
I hope my 401K doesn’t collapse.
I hope indoor dining soon reopens.
I hope this year I can take a vacation.
I hope my kids won’t face persecution for their faith.
I hope my friend’s cancer is eradicated.
I hope my kids come back to the Lord.
Those are just a few comments I have recently heard from friends who are looking for hope.
Paul David Tripp in his daily devotional, New Morning Mercies wrote: “Where is hope to be fulfilled? In five life-altering words: “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!”
Tripp suggests five things we need to remember about hope:
- God hardwired human beings for hope.
- What you place your hope in will set the direction of your life. Tripp suggests: “Whether its hope in a philosopy, a dream, a location, or whatever, your life will be shaped by what you place your hope in.
- Hope always includes an expectation and an object.
- Hope, to be hope, has to fix what is broken.
- You always preach to yourself a gospel of some kind of hope.
So what do we need to remember today?
He goes on to say, “Hope is not a situation. Hope is not a location. Hope is not an experience. Hope is more than an insight or a truism. Hope is a person, and His name is Jesus. It rests in the truth that Jesus has wrapped his powerful arms around you and he will NEVER, ever let you go.”
The hymn-writer wrote:
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.
Go back to the beginning of this blog and read the verses from Romans 5. Read them slowly. Meditate on them. YOU HAVE HOPE today because of JESUS CHRIST.
Have a great week.
Living in light of the gospel,
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick
You can write to Bill at bwelte@americaskeswick.org
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader
