Hope

I have been thinking about hope lately--specifically hope in hard times. Difficulty and suffering are a part of the Christian walk of life. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). In fact, in 1 Peter 4:12 we read, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." Fiery trials are to be expected.

The world also has troubles and difficulties. Christians aren't the only ones to suffer the loss of a loved one, a debilitating disease, or personal struggles. The unbelieving too have hurts and pains that they must endure.

What makes the difference between the suffering of the lost and the suffering of the redeemed? Hope. There is a hope for those who believe in the Gospel, for in the Gospel we find: (1) the promise of strength that is sufficient for our every need (2 Corinthians 12:9), (2) the promise of God's presence with us (Hebrews 13:5), and (3) the promise of eternal life (Romans 6:22).

The lost do not have access to any of these promises. They have no hope (Ephesians 2:12). When they are enduring difficulty, they have no higher source of strength to go to, no God to lift up their needs to. They must simply bear the pain alone, and struggle through life without hope.

These truths should affect us in several ways. First, they should give us a greater appreciation for our salvation. We have a hope when formerly we had none! Second, it should cause us to have a greater burden for those who are struggling through life hopelessly. Third, it should motivate us to more fully live upon the hope we have been given. Fourth, it should give us a greater appreciation for the God who has given us hope. We could never endure our sufferings apart from Him and the hope that He has given us through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were hopeless, but He gave us a hope.

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:21-23)