Friday, December 23, 2011

Journey of Faith Friday: Hope of the World

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Hope of the World

[Jesus] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:2-7

The little babe who entered the world that a first Christmas was no ordinary babe.  He was and is the hope of the world.  


How do you define hope?

Here's what a few people had to say:
  • My husband said,
"Hope is a desire for change in a situation or status belied by faith in someone or something.  It is more than just wanting something (like a winning lotto ticket).  Hope without faith is simple desire."
"Hope is knowing and trusting that God is who He says He is and as we walk with Him in this life, we are waiting on that amazing Hope of eternally being with Jesus Christ in heaven. That really is our hope. (Titus 3:7)

One of my favorite verses says it well...


But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7"
"Hope is the promise of better things that are yet to come."
"When I think of hope, I think of a longing and anticipation of GOOD things to come."
"The definition that has stuck most with me is this: 'Hope is certainty in things unseen.' The world talks about hope as a wish . . . what might happen. The hope of Scripture, of the saints, is an unwavering assurance of what WILL be.  Titus 1:1-2"

"One verse comes to mind when I think of the word "hope", 'Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.' Jesus Christ is my hope!"
"Hope is watching a sleeping child, and knowing that you can't change the past but you can nurture the future.  It is an email from a friend that comes at just the right time, reminding you that you are not alone.  It is having a partner who completes you, and resting in the comfort of their arms.  Most importantly, hope is knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, a Savior who has walked this earth and understands our trials, and a Holy Spirit to guide us while we journey through life."
"Hope is the expectation or desire for something to happen. The optimistic view one has for the future. The desire for something better."
"Hope is intangible.  It is a strong and confident expectation.  Hope lifts our spirits.  Hope is eternal."
"Hope is believing that everything is going to be okay - even if you don't know how or when."
"I think hope is having a belief that there is something beautiful and good beyond my present circumstance - that there is a possibility of something better than what I see right now. Even the tiniest glimmer of hope can provide strength to press on, even on the darkest of days."
"Hope.  Knowing that this life is not all there is.  That I am not stuck in this world - with all it's limitations and sinful behaviors.  That I am not stuck in the confines of my own skin and sinful nature.  That I will not always commune with God from a "distance"... that I will someday FULLY know Him as He already fully knows me.  It's not an "if" - it's a "when".  To know that the persecution, hardships, and pain here are all just temporary and will be traded in for an eternity of joy and peace.  And, I assume, that as I age and start to dislike my gray hair, wrinkles, and achy joints, it will be the hope of knowing I will run and dance and jump again."
"Confidence of a future good."
"Hope is defined for me by knowing there is always a better way of life, God would not put us on earth of 60+ years if He didn't mean for us to always have hope of a better tomorrow!"
"Trusting that God will write the last chapter of the story and will make all things right."


When you think of Christmas, I pray you think of JESUS.  When you think of JESUS, I pray you think of HOPE.  He is the HOPE OF THE WORLD!!

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

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4 comments:

Tara said...

beautiful post! I just listened to a message all about hope! (3 part series, faith, hope and Love)

so i really loved reading all the different definitions of hope!

Kindra said...

It's neat to see all of the different personal definitions of hope. I think Carolina's is my favorite. Vipul and I have often talked about how a present situation is not the end of the story.

Carolina said...

Such a touching and genuine post. I liked reading all the definitions, it struck me the most what Sam said 'Hope without faith is simple desire' as that is very true.

Also I have another definition of hope that has made me laugh and cry and I will share with you next time we get together.

Unknown said...

Love this post, girl! I remember you asking about this, but had forgotten until now, lol. I needed a big dose of hope today, so I am glad I got behind on reading blogs, haha.