Unwavering Hope

Hope.
Hope helps you and me cope with life. No hope…no cope!
A “perfect storm” of life-upsetting, life-altering negative circumstances has produced a spirit of hopelessness that is discouraging, disheartening and depressing millions of Americans.  
A deadly pandemic. Social distancing and lockdown. Business shutdown. Potential economic collapse. Frightening civil unrest. Deception. Distortion. Discord. Division. Distrust. Our society is seemingly coming unraveled at the seams. Any wonder many are struggling with hope?
As I survey my surroundings and personal situation, I like most, am being challenged to make sure my hope is not misplaced.
Let’s be honest. Real honest. Gut level honest.  
Speaking as a Christian,  If our hope is in the world system that rejects God, in people, who the Bible tells us that all of us, including you and me, have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23), in  manmade, fallible institutions, fluctuating financial markets, godless government, agenda driven news organizations, narcissistic celebrities, what is “trending” on social media, political parties, military might, popular pastors, the religious church  or anything else that falls short of putting our hope in God is false hope, ultimately leading to despair.  
I have good news smack dab in the middle of bad news. HOPE IN GOD IS HOPE THAT WILL NEVER FAIL.  
In God’s Word, the Bible, the Hebrews writer exhorts/encourages his fellow Christians, who were being persecuted for their faith and suffering loss in many areas of their life, to encourage one another by confessing their unwavering hope in the Lord.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:23-24   
Please note the following.

1. Christ’s followers are to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.”  

To hold fast means to hold on to. To firmly grasp. Not letting go of our grip. Holding fast is a tenacious unwillingness to surrender what is being held on to.   
Hope is to be confessed. I question if unconfessed hope is really hope. Speak your hope and faith with your mouth. Acknowledge, give witness to your hope in the Lord by your words and behavior.
Hope without wavering. Make you choice and keep your choice. No fluctuating or vacillating. No tottering or weaving. No back and forth. No hopefulness one day, hopelessness the next.

• Unwavering hope is resolute and unwilling to be hopeless.   

 
2. A believer’s hope is based on God who is a faithful promise keeper.

Unwavering, unshakable, immovable hope is rooted and ground in a loving God who is our hope. The God of the Bible promises to meet every need of His followers. He is not a promise breaker as many people are.
God keeps His Word. Period. It is not in God’s character to lie. What our Creator and Redeemer promises He performs. Hope for now and eternity is guaranteed because our Lord Jesus keeps His Word.

• Romans 10:13 boldly declares “For the scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will never be disappointed.” I can put unwavering hope in Christ who will never disappoint me!

 
3. Hopeful Christians are “to stimulate (encourage) each other to love and good deeds”.

Unwavering hope is contagious! If you are feeling hopeless in any way, surround yourself with a bunch of fired-up, hope-filled, hopeful brothers and sisters who do not vacillate concerning hope in Christ. Catch what they have!
Right now, in your circle of relationships, inside and outside of the church, there are people struggling with hope. Be their cheerleader! Remind them of God’s promises. Man has messed everything up. Jesus is the Savior and is coming back soon! Don’t keep your “unwavering hope” to yourself. 

• Unwavering hope in God’s unfailing promises cannot and will not fail you and me.

So, let’s get real. Up close and personal. How is your hope? Hopeful or hopeless? Unwavering or wavering? Is your hope rattled by the latest Breaking News? In who or what do you put your hope in?
Is your hope in the God of the Bible? Is your hope in Him and His promises? Is your hope unwavering? Not wishy-washy, but unshakable, immovable, steadfast, firmly planted in the soil of God’s precious promises?  Is your confession of hope confidently, courageously consistent?
Bottom line. 2020. Yes, 2020! Are you holding fast to the confession of your hope? And are you encouraging fellow Christians with the lope you have in the Lord?
Now is the time. Today is the day. Every day is the day to confess our unwavering hope in God!
“Christ in you, which is the hope the glory.” Colossians 1:27.
 “And hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
“Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind; therefore, I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:20-23
 A Word For Your Week: Keep your hope and faith solidly focused on God’s promises.