What are you hoping for?
Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I wish I had, knew…,” (fill in the blank)? Biblical hope is far more than wishful thinking. One night as I climbed into bed, Hebrews 11 reminded me of the connection between faith and hope.
“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for [or expected], a proof of [or conviction about] things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval” (Hebrews 11:1-2 NASB).
Remembering the people in Hebrews 11 lifts my spirit. I hope this brief review does the same for you.
The Basis of Biblical Hope
The most important aspect of biblical hope is its connection to faith. People of faith understand that “the entire universe was formed at God’s command” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT).
Trusting God’s promises isn’t blind faith. Just open your eyes. Everything you see on earth or in heaven was invisible before God spoke it into existence (Genesis 1). Creation proclaims the power of God’s Word.
The Assurance of Things Hoped for
Abel probably couldn’t see how an offering would fulfill his hope to be right with God. But faith motivated him to offer the best of his flock to God, and he received God’s approval.
Enoch hoped for closeness with God. You can’t get much closer than heaven, the place God took Enoch at age 365 (Genesis 5:21-24).
Noah hoped to save his family from coming destruction. Even though he probably had never seen a raindrop, let alone a flood, by faith he built an ark. His faith saved not only his family—but you and me.
God called Abraham the father of nations. For decades he and Sarah struggled with infertility. Humanly speaking, God’s promise seemed impossible. Yet Abraham didn’t lose hope.
“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ …
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, … Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:17-21 NIV).
Who can forget Gideon, hiding from Israel’s enemies? When the angel called him a mighty man of valor, Gideon’s despair lifted in hope. God saw in Gideon what Gideon couldn’t yet see in himself.
I see a common thread. God’s Word sparks hope. Faith in God’s promise moves us to act with confident hope. God’s promises will not fail, even when all looks lost.
Biblical promises have your name written across them. Let’s shed weak “hope-so” attitudes and live God’s promises with confident hope.
Strength Finder
- Where do you need a dose of hope today? Ask God for a scripture promise. Write it, pray it, memorize it, review it, and declare it often. For example: Let’s say you need assurance God will lead you through your current challenge. What hope do you draw from Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)? “The mind of a person plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” How does faith in this change how you look at your problem? Use this scripture as you pray and make plans.
. - Don’t judge God’s promises by one page of your life. When life seems to contradict His promises, remember that your life is only one chapter in God’s grand story. Some of God’s promises are bigger than a lifetime.
Don't judge God's promises by one page of your life. #faith, #Hebrews11 Share on X“All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth” (Hebrews 11:13 NLT).
Resources
Want to explore Hebrews 11 more deeply?
The lives of faith in Hebrews 11 remind us that God works through ordinary people who trust an extraordinary God. In Little Faith, Big God and Little Strength, Big God, I explore the stories of different men and women from this chapter and how their faith grew as they faced impossible circumstances.
My prayer is that their stories will encourage you to trust God’s promises, find strength in His presence, and discover hope in your own journey of faith.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #SweetTea&Friends
Your posts always instruct and uplift me!!
Thank you, Ann. I learn so much from yours too!
I’m so thankful that I can put all my hope and trust in our Lord. Lovely message Debbie.
Me too, Yvonne!
Thank you for this inspiring and informative message about hope, Debbie. The world really needs hope now. It’s there in God’s Word and His promises, and we are called to share hope and love to a hurting world.
I’m so glad God recorded their stories. They certainly boost my faith and hope! Thanks, Katherine.
Oh my yes! Their stories do encourage me to trust God’s promises. And discover hope in my own journey of faith. This message touched me so Debbie.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month Sweet friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
Thanks so much, Paula!
Thank you, Debbie, for the reminder of God’s precious promises. I have to remind myself that God sees the big picture and knows what is best for me in the long run.
Yvonne, I’m thankful we have access to God’s promises. They sure make a difference in how we live.
I was reading Hebrews 11 yesterday and will return to it again today. This .. “God’s Word sparks hope.” We need to be reading God’s Word everyday so that our hope sparks faith each and every day. Blessings!
Yes! I love how God’s word lifts my spirit and refreshes my soul with hope and faith.
AMEN to : “God’s Word sparks hope.” I’m SO thankful he’s given us scripture and can’t imagine living without it. Also meaningful to remember: “Some of God’s promises are bigger than a lifetime.” Thank you Debbie!
Thanks, Nancy. Without an eternal perspective a lot of God’s promises don’t make sense.
As you shared, it so struck me the difference between “cross your fingers” type of hope and Hope based on faith in God and His promises.
Finding Scripture that speaks to the situation is such a great source of confidence and strength.
Barb, I agree. I can feel my body relax when I take in some Scriptures.