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Article by Victor S E Moubarak - Link HERE
In Hebrews Chapter 11 we read: To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.
Let us concentrate for a moment on the first part of this statement: to be sure of the things we hope for.
What does it really mean? We often hope that certain things will happen; health issues, financial matters, and so on. But are we sure they will happen? Or are we just hoping with fingers crossed and a tail wind and good fortune?
The definition of hope is: a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen.
A bit weak and nebulous. A feeling that something will happen, but not really sure.
What if instead we were so sure that we expect certain things to happen.
The definition of expectation is: a strong belief that something will happen or be the case.
To have faith is to expect good things to happen from our Lord.
When things go wrong in my life I do not hope things will get better; I expect them to be so. Not expect in a cocky, entitled sort of way. As if it is my right it be so. A greedy expectation that if I sit and do nothing, God will look after me. But a respectful expectation full of certainty that God will take care of me because He loves me; and because Jesus promised so.
Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:11-13)
I have had many difficulties in life, and I'll admit that at the time I may have panicked a bit, but looking back, I should have known better and expected things to turn out right, as they did - because I trust Jesus in what He said.
God loves each one of us individually.
We show our love back by believing and trusting Him.
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Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him." This verse has strengthened my faith many times. I don't even like to use the word "hope" with regard to the Lord any more because it just isn't a strong enough word for relying on Him, really trusting Him to do what He has promised to do. Thanks for this examination of the words hope and faith.
ReplyDeleteI agree Barbara; "Hope" is not a strong enough word. We should be sure that God will answer our prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Well said. As we go through the rough patches, He is there and He will bring us through safely.
ReplyDeleteAmen Mimi. God bless you.
DeleteAmen Mimi. God bless you.
DeleteAmen, Victor! We show our love back to God when we believe, trust and obey Him even when we do not understand.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Debby. God never asked us to understand Him. Only to trust Him.
DeleteGod bless you.
I love the part about the birds because it makes me feel way less stressed about the future.
ReplyDelete