[Rom 5:4-5 ESV] 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
I'm learning that hope based on things and people of this world ebbs and flows with my mood. Hope based on God is entirely different. It is steadfast...a sure thing to cling to.
[Rom 8:24-25 ESV] 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
If you see it, then you are convinced and find it easier to believe. I hope in Him, who I've never seen face to face but am certain that I will one day.
[Rom 12:12 ESV] 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Hope is a prerequisite to being able to rejoice.
[Rom 15:4, 12-13 ESV] 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ... 12 And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope." 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Hope comes through our endurance in growing in our relationship to Him and knowing His Word. He is the root of Jesse that the whole world can hope in. It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us about Him and gives us an eternal focus.
No comments:
Post a Comment