Hope: A Chance or a Certainy Part I
Hope is a two-sided coin. Hope and opportunity are linked much as a recent university graduate seeks a new life and career or a couple set a wedding date. On the other side are those finding themselves in a distress situation needing hope when the future looks bleak through the loss of a loved one, a job layoff, financial reversal or a tough health diagnosis.
Hope can be personal, as you or I seek an opportunity or try to make it through a challenging life situation. A need for hope can also be global in nature when the community around us is shaken with an earthquake, mass shooting, a financial meltdown or turmoil between countries.
Is Hope a Roll of the Dice
Can hope be assured or is it just a big “maybe” or a “chance” like rolling the dice? Hope as defined in the dictionary is based on a personal desire or the chance that something will happen.
“expect something: to have a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely; confident desire: a feeling that something desirable is likely to happen; likelihood of success: a chance that something desirable will happen or be possible”
As a Seattle Mariner and Washington State University Cougar fan, I hope for winning seasons, and probably in vain, for championships. The outcomes are beyond me and require relying on coaches, players, some great play making and lucky bounces. I need more concrete hope.
Hope Is a Reality
Hope, from a Biblical view, is based on trust and faith in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Hope becomes a predisposition and a reality. Hope is rooted in God’s word, demonstrations of His past faithfulness, and belief that He cares about me. This concept of “hope certain” is a stretch for many to comprehend. Godly hope presupposes an outcome that will help us to endure and cope if needed and receive answers and directions when faced with needs and decisions. Biblical hope is reliable and assured.
We strengthen our hope like an athlete in training, choosing to exercise faith and trust, and connecting to God through reading his word, prayer and affiliating with others who carry the hope “gene.” People, like Joni Eareckson Tada, with those genes seem to abound in:
Freedom from fear; anticipation of God’s movement in their lives; faith & trust that God is in control; love for God and man; ability to forgiveness; peace and joy
Hope is Infectious
In my life-coaching and career counsel the overwhelming response I receive is, “You have given me hope.” I can only say that these words come from the hope I have in Christ, that there is an answer each time for each person. I cannot hold hope for anyone else but I can pray for them. Their hope will come as they trust and exercise faith in the Lord’s words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Lamentations 3:25 – The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him
Psalm 131:3 – … put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
Send me a note if I can help you on your journey of hope.
