Never Lose Hope

We all go through difficult situations, no one is exempt from them. Be it a rich or a poor, we all have our struggles, disappointments. Maybe you had a hope for something to happen, but it has not materilised yet. In spite of all the challenges you are going through right now, I would like to inspire you: “Never Lose Hope”.

• 

What is hope?

Hope “expects with confidence and cherish a desire with anticipation.” It is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”. 

This is how the world defines hope — as a mere feeling or desire for something to happen. “Hope” is often used to describe something that we believe to be unattainable, so we say “I hope so,” when in reality we don’t actually believe it could happen. It’s a last ditch effort of saying, “I wish this would happen, but it’s just not going to.” When you look closely, this type of hope could also be described as unbelief or a “false hope.”

I would submit to you today that there is a different kind of hope available for believers. The hope we’ll be talking about today, looks nothing like the worldly hope we described above.

“This hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5

The hope we’ll be talking about is the evidence of the unseen.(Hebrews 11:1) This hope is built on Jesus Christ – the hope of the world. This hope is a sure confidence, expectation and security. It’s a reality and a foundation that we can build our lives on and put our rest in.

Let’s backup and visit the context of the Romans 5:5 verse…

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

As believers, we have a constant peace that surpasses understanding, and even in trials and tribulations we can rejoice and take heart, putting all of our hope and trust in God, because He has overcome the world. So even in our suffering, pain and when circumstances look bleak — we can find rest and hope in Him. Although God didn’t cause our suffering, pain, hurts or health issues – He will work all things together for good to those who love Him. (see Philippians 4:7, John 16:33, Romans 12:12, John 10:10, Romans 8:28) So we can walk through storms in life with peace and a joy because our hope rests in Jesus.

God is the Only Source that will Never Disappoint You

Let’s look at the woman with the issue of blood as an example:

Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the [f]affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:25-34

As we can see from the passage this woman suffered for 12 years. WOW. Just take a minute to pause and reflect on this alone. She suffered bleeding for 12 years of her life, spent all of her money and resources on getting healed and yet she continued to grow worse. It doesn’t tell us in the text, but based on the historical time period and because of the type of affliction she suffered; she was likely ostracized from society (the bleeding was seen as dirty and unclean, and so was she). So, we see that this woman was terribly sick, circumstances said she wouldn’t be healed, she was monetarily broke, very likely lonely and yet this woman persevered in hope.

She KNEW and BELIEVED that if she just reached out and touched Jesus – she would receive her healing. It was her FAITH that made her well. She didn’t reach out and give a flippant well “I hope this will work” statement. No, she knew and believed that the second she grabbed onto that promise, she would be healed – and she was, immediately! She put all of her HOPE and trust in the Lord and believed the Words that He spoke to her. 

Reach Out and Receive your Promise

Is there a promise that you’ve given up hope on? Maybe years have passed and you haven’t seen it come to fruition? Maybe today the Lord wants to resurrect that promise! If it is in line with His Word and His will, we can take Him at His Word and believe Him for it! Just reach out and receive the promise. Expect with confidence that good things are going to happen, because our Almighty, Magnificent God wants you to succeed! 

Sometimes that hope (the confident assurance) is just sitting there, waiting for us to activate our faith, reach out and take hold of the promise. Jesus already paid the price for our healing at the cross and it’s by His stripes that we are healed. (see Isaiah 53:5) So reach out and grab it today!

Let’s be like that woman with the issue of blood who chose to walk by faith and not by sight! (see 2 Corinthians 5:7) What are you believing in your heart? Are you taking God at His Word? Are you believing and speaking His Word over your life? The Bible tells us that so a man thinks in his heart, so he is. (see proverbs 23:7) So I would encourage you to search your heart today. What are you believing in your heart? That God is your Healer? Your Advocate? Your Provider? Your Comfort?

Do not let hopelessness ruin your life. Renew your mind to the Word of God, hold fast to His promises and put all of your hope in Him. It’s time to get up and run to the One who makes all things new!

Never Lose Hope Dear One!

If you were encouraged, please share in comments below. If you have a story, share too. We would love to hear and be encouraged too. 
Together We are Stronger!