2 Corinthians 3:12 says, “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” A wish doesn't make you bold. A confident expectation is something that can make you bold. Then we read in Hebrews 9:19, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” A wish cannot be an anchor. What can anchor you? A confident expectation is a strong and trustworthy anchor.
Christian hope is not a wish; it's something different entirely. When Scripture uses the word hope, it's talking about a confident expectation that’s all based on the empty tomb. Joseph could look back at his life and see that God intended it all for good. The Christian nowadays has luxury of looking back at the empty tomb and knowing God intended it all for good. Christ died for our sins – he was buried then raised from the dead. On the third day, he was seen by Peter, the twelve disciples, and more than 500 people at once. If Christ hasn't been raised, our faith is futile. So how do we know he was raised? He was seen, and because he was seen, our hope is real, which means the Christian doesn't wish. The Christian has a confident expectation, which means when the pangs of grief sneak up on you or the voices of skeptical doubt begin to creep in, you have hope.
If you want to walk in God's will, if you want to know that God has a destiny for you, we must understand that Biblical hope is different than worldly hope.
Reflection/Discussion Question: How does this definition of hope change your perspective on a diffcult situation or season of life that you experience?
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Derek Works