Living Hope
Bible Readings
- 1 Peter 1:3-5 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
- Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
- Isaiah 48:17 - Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
- Isaiah 64:4 - For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
The words of Christ are always true, and His promises never fail.
Those who believe are born to a living hope, a real foundation for their expectations and desires. Many people today live with a false sense of security. They think that what is important in this life are physical and material things. But there is no security in worldly things (Matthew 6:19-20). Those who pursue wealth and health more than God find that their dreams either don't materialize or don't provide satisfaction.
Christians fix their hope on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. His words are always true, and His promises never fail. The Lord does not disappoint those who seek His will. Don't misunderstand this statement – we can be temporarily disappointed when something we hope for is not in God's plan. But He does not back away from His promise to give His followers the best (Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 64:4). When one door closes, another will open with something more suitable behind it. And remember that it is impossible to outdo the Lord. We cannot even wish for ourselves as much good as God has prepared for us.
The best choice a Christian can make is to place their hope in Christ. Accept everything that is in His will for your life and turn away from things that are not. Circumstances may change, but Jesus never changes. He is a living hope who never disappoints.
🤔 Reflection
How does placing your hope in Jesus Christ manifest in your life? In what areas do you find it particularly challenging to trust the Lord?
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