The Hope that Does Not Disappoint

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 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. Romans 5:1-5 ESV

Hope. We long for it and fear it. We excitedly soar on the wings of possibility only to crash to the ground when what we expected or hoped did not happen.

But God promises a hope that will not end in a spectacular crash, a hope that will does not put us to shame.

This hope is not some pie in the sky, dream. It is hard won on the battlefield of suffering, endurance, and proven character. It is hope that God is near, in us, with us, working around us. The God who created the stars in the sky and holds the universe together in all its intricacies, He is near enough to work things out according to His perfect plan and purpose.

His nearness changes everything. It provides light in darkness, direction in confusion, and possibility in seemingly impossible situations. In those dark places He whispers encouragement and correction, we only need to listen. This hope comes as our character is forged in the fires of suffering. It is a hope stronger than steel, purer than silver, and certain because we know the God who promised is faithful.

So when darkness covers all we can see, we get to decide. Will we keep searching for the light, knowing God’s light is coming? Will we cling to the hope that God’s ways are best, He has plans for our good and His glory? Or will we place our hope in things that disappoint? Will we boss around our emotions and our minds? Or will we let our fear and worry steal our joy and hope?

Our God is able, He is strong, He owns everything so He can do anything. And when He choses not to do something, we have to trust His ways are best when our hope is in Him.

Father God, help us to choose to hope in You. Help us to see how you are working and trust that Your ways are best even when we do not understand. May we remember Your promises and Your plans so we remember our hope will never put us to shame. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.