August 23, 2016

Where you are at this very moment in your life is a testimony to hope. Those who are in Christ have "obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 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 5.2-5) 

You may feel that you are just hanging on by a thread in the midst of the current crisis, or that something on the horizon threatens to overwhelm you, but the fact is, you are standing at the moment. And, you WILL continue to stand! You are a survivor and an overcomer. Tribulation HAS produced perseverance, shaped character, and resulted in hope that "does not disappoint." You have come thus far, and you will continue on, because of hope. 

I'm no starry-eyed dreamer or optimist (by nature I'm more of a pessimist), but I believe in biblical hope. The prospect of immortality and perfect life in the age to come on a renewed earth is so real that perseverance and character follow in its steps. The best is yet to come, in every sense of the word. 

And so we stand. Life today may be a breeze; a walk in the park, so to speak. But gale force adversity may also be unleashed today. Regardless, hope coupled with faith causes us to stand.

So, do not lose sight of that great truth: "hope does not disappoint"!

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2016
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