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Abraham and his wife Sarah are listed as individuals who held onto their faith despite the odds (Hebrews 11). A good 25 years passed before God's promise of a child came to pass for them. In the waiting, they made mistakes. Still, once God reassured them that His promise was still forthcoming, they didn't let go of their hope. Despite their advanced age and years of disappointment, they hoped in the God who was able to keep His word.
This is an example of having hope despite hopelessness, and we believers are called to follow in their footsteps. It is hard to imagine waiting 25 years while still believing that God's promise will still happen. And yet, that is part of being a Christian. We know that God's word is sure and will not fail. Therefore, if He said something, it must be fulfilled. That, however, is no indication of how quickly it will take place.
David similarly waited to see God's word fulfilled in his life. Scholars estimate that he was anointed to be the next king as a teenager, and the Bible tells us he finally sat on the throne at the age of 30 (2 Samuel 5:4). Had he not maintained hope that God's promise would come to pass, he would have walked away from the prospect of kingship several times over. Think about it - his entire family had to flee; he lost his first wife, who was given a new husband by her father. And that father was his father-in-law, a man who had served for years. At any point, David could have said, 'Enough, I give up.'
Just as he didn't relinquish God's word to him, neither should we. Maybe the Lord told you something that He plans for your life. Or perhaps, you read a verse in the Bible that came alive to you, and you claimed the promise it contains for yourself. Whatever the case, it is crucial to hold firmly to your hope that what you are desiring and have prayed for will become very real in your life.
We are also called to be like Abraham. Romans 4:18 - Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” Even when everything looks bad, hope should not be lost. We are to continue to believe that God's word will come to pass.
And we especially have to have hope because satan's modus operandi is to rob people of hope and make them think that nothing good awaits them in the future. When people agree with this perspective, they unwittingly are agreeing with the devil. God's word commands us to agree with Him, not satan, so we can enjoy peace and prosperity. When we don't, our lives take a downward trajectory.
God doesn't want this. He wants us to have His best, and that can sometimes arrive in unexpected ways, including facing down hopelessness while having resolute faith and hope that the Lord will come through regardless. Yes, those obstacles in your way seem very real. But God's power is more real - He pulls down mountains, lifts valleys, and creates a smooth pathway for the righteous.
Hold onto your hope, Christian Soldiers. Be the light someone sees so they too can take another step in hope instead of giving up as satan wants them to. We are our brother's keeper, and God will empower us all to stand firm against any assaults seeking to rob us of our inheritance in Christ - hope. God bless you.
What are your thoughts? Please share them. And as you wait for fellowship, watch the video in the Altar Call and read these old posts:
PS: I might not be as active today but God willing, I will respond to everyone eventually. Please feel free to fellowship as normal, sharing your praise and intercession points regardless. God bless you all!
