We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. Colossians 1:3-6
Paul as he wrote to this young church in Colossae who were literally under attack for their faith from every side and even within spoke of hope. They were in a melting pot of societies who desired they blend their faith with other philosophies to be more tolerant of ideologies rather than to hold fast to the truth of the gospel. They faced ridicule from those around them. Often, they faced even possible imprisonment or death for their faith. Life was not easier; indeed, in many ways life’s journey became harder as they began this new found life as Christians. They sacrificed more. They gave of their time, their money and their resources to spread the truth of the gospel; often to be met with resistance anger, and ridicule. So, on what did they anchor their hope? Without hope, it is difficult or nearly impossible to press on when things get tough.
Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It is that feeling that all is going to be ok in the end. If I hope to finish the race; then, I will press on when my legs grow weary. The greater I perceive the treasure at the end of the race to be; the higher my hope grows each step of the race. Anticipating with great joy the finish line; I press on.
Life’s journey as a Christian is much like that. Paul was reminding this early church of that truth while also lifting them up in prayer before the throne of God that God Himself would remind them. Their hope at the end of this race was a treasure laid up for them in heaven. That hope began the day they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Their hope was found in the resurrected Savior who would one day return for them.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, 2 Peter 3:8-12
Our hope as Christians cannot be fixed only upon the gifts and treasures in this world alone. Yes, all along this journey God gives us gifts of great mercy, love, grace, and kindnesses. He gives us all that we need in Him; even, if at times it isn’t everything we think we want. If our only hope was based upon material or social possessions here; then, we would indeed be often disappointed and in despair.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19
Instead, the treasure that we hope for is being eternally in the presence of God; a treasure far greater than anything this world could bring.
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. I Peter 1:3-5
For that reason we too must begin with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for that hope which arises in our hearts and minds because of who He is and His Grace toward each and everyone who accepts His gift of Salvation.
O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful … Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:23-24
So, can true hope really be found in this world? Yes, by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and King; our lives can overflow with abounding rivers of hope amid every trial or circumstance of this life!
[tweetthis]Hope has a name. That name is Jesus Christ.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”When we focus on the prize; hope rises in our hearts to finish the race” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Our greatest prize is the treasure of spending eternity in the presence of God, Almighty” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”In Christ, our lives can overflow with abounding rivers of hope amid every trial of this life!” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”When the Hope of Eternity fills our hearts, we can leap over every obstacle of life” username=”effiedarlene”]
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
I would love to here about your journey; please scroll down to comment below.
photo used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@slavab
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.