“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.” ~ Romans 4:18 KJV
REFERENCE:
Romans 4:18-21 (KJV)
Abraham has forever earned a spot in Faith’s Hall of Fame. It is easy to read about him today and not fully understand his situation when he hoped or believed in God for a son. It is easy to have hope for something that we know is possible, but when all signs show that it is impossible, hope is hard. Abraham had no reason to hope, yet he hoped against hope.
Hope in this context means joyful and confident expectation; it is to anticipate with pleasure and trust with a guarantee that what you expect will happen. When Abraham decided to hope in God, his reproductive system had shut down, and his wife’s womb was dead, for she was eighty-nine years old, and Abraham was ninety-nine years old. Hence, in hoping, Abraham was joyfully confident that he would father a child with his wife. He had an assurance in his heart.
To hope against hope is not merely wishful thinking; it is to have a ‘firm assurance’ in God’s promise to you. It is a call to believe in the invisible and impossible. This is what God calls us to as believers: to walk with Him confidently, expecting Him to do what He says He will. Everything around you may point to the contrary, but can you hope against hope and hold on?
The basis for Abraham’s expectation was his trust in the integrity and ability of the God who promised – he knew He could perform what He promised. If someone you respect as a person of integrity and means makes a promise to you, you thank them even before they make good on their promise. This is because you know they have what it takes to do it, or they have a record of keeping their promises. You will go from their presence assured, waiting for the fulfillment.
Do you believe God for a miracle, and nothing around you suggests its possibility? Like Abraham, don’t stagger in unbelief; keep your faith strong, switch on praise and thanksgiving, and hope against hope. Faithful is He who promised, and He will do it. Your healing will come, the bill will be paid, the exam will turn out well, the visa will be issued, good news is on the way, and peace will return to your home. Blessed are those who believe without seeing. You will see your answers.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Psalm 71:14, Proverbs 23:18, and Hebrews 6:13-18
PRAYER:
+ Pray that your hope will no longer be delayed but that you will see your desires come through in areas that seem hopeless today.
+ Father, let thanksgiving and praise characterize my time of hopeful waiting so my expectation will be met, in Jesus’ name.
