Keeping Hope in Our Lives

Stories that are worth meditating on are those of the great heroes of faith many of whom are listed in Hebrews 11. All of them spent years and even decades doing what looked like very little on the surface but God was working.

In particular Joseph comes to mind, his story is told in Genesis 37-50. He was a young man who was his Father’s favourite; but he was despised by his brothers who after he told them about some crazy dreams sold him into slavery. But he’s faithful in his position and goes up in the ranks, only to be falsely accused and be thrown in jail. But he picks himself up again and stays faithful in his new position in prison. Eventually he has an amazing supernatural opening with Pharaoh’s servants! Could this be the end? Nope, the servant forgets and Joseph stays in jail for even longer. But at the right time, God moves and he becomes Pharaoh’s top official and saves the nation of Egypt from starving from a famine, also the dreams come true.

God doesn’t promise perfect health, a nice house, a car or a great job. He does promise eternal life to those who follow him earnestly (e.g., John 3:16, 1 John 2:17). It’s important to know that God can do these things but ultimately He has plans, ‘…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future…’ (Jeremiah 29:11). The bible also says ‘Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God has placed His seal of approval’ John 6:27. Focus on God and what He is calling you to. ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness, and all these things shall be added onto you as well’ Matthew 6:33.

God does not promise us an easy life and sometimes we go through bewildering and extremely difficult times but God is with us. In John 16:33 it says: ‘…in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

Hope is powerful, as 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says: ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’ Thank you God. 

Note: This piece was written by my husband David and I have edited it.