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HOPE (Sometimes a little hope goes a long way...)

HOPE (Sometimes a little hope goes a long way...)

by Dr. Ann Pearson on January 11, 2021

When I say, “I hope my cancer doesn’t come back again,” it’s both a wish and a prayer. But when I say, “God gives me hope for the future,” that is confident assurance in the promises of the God who has never failed me.

Most people hope for a long life, lasting relationships, good health, and happiness. Yet we know that in a matter of minutes life can be turned upside down and inside out, and it can make us feel hopeless. Hope comes in different ways at different times. Regardless of when or how it comes, hope always does the same thing. It offers the one who will take hold of it the prospect of a peaceful and fruitful future. In Jeremiah 29:11 scripture tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In the Old Testament, when the harvest of the first fruits had matured and were ready to be picked in the fields they were given as an offering before the Lord. These fruits were given out of gratitude for what the Israelites believed was yet to come – a bountiful harvest from the hand of God. On the day the first fruits were gathered the full harvest was just a hope, but a hope for which they held evidence in their hands. Hope translated to faith and faith to action as they sharpened their scythes and prepared to turn hope into harvest.

If you are a believer in Christ the Holy Spirit reminds us that we have a promise for our future. The Holy Spirit is the first-fruit God gives us to tell the best is yet to come. Hope is that reality that brings the future into the present by faith. Hope is like a keyhole-a tiny opening through which you can see what awaits you on the other side. The Holy Spirit is in you to give you hope.  

When our hope and trust are firmly connected to our unchangeable God, we know deep in our souls that God’s love will sustain us through this life and into eternity. This means that even if our struggles return our hope in God remains. Maybe you know someone who needs to hear these words of hope today. Go and spread Gods hope to others.


Prayer

Lord, sometimes our hope falters as we face troubles and heartaches. Renew our hope, strengthen our trust, and help us to embrace your unfailing love and share it with others.  We ask these things in Christ’s Holy Name, Amen.

 

My love and prayers,

Ann

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