Christ in me, in us, in you ---- the Hope of Glory. We know this scripture so well. (Colossians 1:27) It resounds in my head, I am reminded of it time and time again---Christ, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, God, living in me. His deposit and guarantee of my eternal life with Him in Heaven----the Hope of glory !!! The promises of Jesus give us an eternal Hope, one that is sure, unshakeable and will never ever disappoint. They also provide hope for now, for today and tomorrow. Personally, I cannot but look at what Christ has offered us without wanting to shout from the rooftops; "Look, Look what we have been given---it is free and it is for everyone. A free gift that will fill you with a hope that can never be shattered nor shaken.”
Recently I walked out of a prayer meeting and heard someone say, “Oh I hope God answers our prayers and will do what we have asked.” I was pulled up as I realized the uncertainty of this hope. A maybe !! Perhaps !! It spoke of wishful thinking, appealing to God who may or may not answer, may say yes depending on some unknown condition. And then waiting for an answer with no assurance of His response but rather expecting with fingers crossed. I am so happy to say that this is not the hope spoken of in God’s word. The hope I am speaking about is certain, sure and won’t change. “Hope” in Greek is "Elpis" which means a desire of some good, with expectation of obtaining it. So, what good may we expect, and how do we know with complete assurance that God will give us what we ask for? Scripture shows us so clearly who God is, His nature, His will for us and all that He has promised us as we believe in His Son Jesus Christ and put our hope and trust in Him.
Not just promises of things but of His care, His protection and love for us. We must remember that He is faithful, yes even when we are not. He fulfills His promises to us, and we can be sure that He will give us what we need. When he says that he will make a way in the desert, he will make a way! That is a guarantee. What that way may be is not so sure, but it will be the best, of that you can be sure! What does the word say? 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “amen” (so be it!) is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
Sadly, a great deal of confusion has entered the church through perhaps overzealous teaching hoping to raise faith and release people to see miracles, nothing wrong in raising faith and expecting miracles but let’s stick to the word. I quote Dr. Peter Hammond who says, “Many people’s faith has been confused by the bizarre antics of hyper faith gurus with their health and wealth visions and dreams.” This, often very dogmatic teaching has introduced a flaky, fake and presumptuous faith that has caused doubt, it is often self-serving, trite and materialistic and not of God. The result has led to disappointment with people turning away from God and not holding onto truth. It becomes a stumbling block and instead of building trust and faith it produces confusion. We must be wise and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, He will lead us into all truth. If you sense a check in your spirit, a hesitation, listen to it. Ask the Holy Spirit because often something is not right.
I love the assurance that we are given through John when he writes in 1 John 2:27: I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Does that mean we don’t need any teaching? Of course not, but it does mean that as we stick close to the Holy Spirit, He will alert us to false teaching. As we seek truth, He will not allow us to be deceived. Jesus has given the church teachers to help us, to equip us but He has also warned us of false teaching. Again, we are told to be wise and test, and discern, not to just swallow everything because it sounds good. The whole purpose of this ministry is to equip and to strengthen so that we can all go out and do what the Lord wants us to do. To be effective our foundation needs to be rock solid, and part of that foundation is having a thorough grasp of the hope to which we have been called.
Paul knew how vital this is, he prayed and kept asking God to reveal this truth to the believers. Ephesians 1:18 “By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Not only as we put our trust in Him are we assured of a glorious inheritance but also a power to overcome. Paul prays for even more; he asks that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen us with power through His Spirit in our inner being. (Ephesians 3:16) The power to live a victorious, spirit filled life. There is no maybe or perhaps in God’s great provision for all of us who believe. He has given us His word and that cannot return to Him void. Isaiah 55:11 “So is the word that goes out from my mouth; it cannot return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” John confirms that God’s word cannot be broken. (John 10:35) What God has said and all that He has promised us stands but we must ask.
If you need wisdom, ask for it. If you are without, ask the Lord. It is the way we are to live, constantly in conversation with our God, asking Him for all we need to live our lives fully for Him. To close, I want to leave you with this truth; As a parent you know the incredible love and sense of responsibility that you feel towards your kids. It is one of the most powerful emotions and although it gets less intense as the kids get older, it never goes away. They are your creation, and the bond is very strong. We understand in the animal world how a lioness will kill to protect her cubs, and I often think as a mom how strongly I have acted to protect my kids and my grandchild. Likewise, we are God’s children, His creation, made in His image and He loves us.
God's love for the people He created is passionate, ardent and earnest and He will and has done everything in His power to bring us back to Him and keep us safe. Each one who comes back to Him causes great rejoicing in heaven and having paid such a huge price for our redemption He is not going to allow us to fall away.
Whatever you need to be able stand firm and overcome, He is going to give you. He makes it so clear that His heart is to give us all that is good for us, all that we require to live as He has ordained. Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Our hope in Him is never misplaced! No matter how the world shakes, the storm rages or troubles come our way we can know because we know: God is with us and He will make a way. God Bless you as His truths establish themselves deep in your heart.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold onto the confession of our hope without wavering because the one who made the promises is reliable.