THERE IS HOPE
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT)
Recently my wife and I were fortunate to spend a week in Hawaii. A celebration for our 38th anniversary and a break from our winter weather. It was all good. The one thing I can’t explain is why we received record breaking snowfall here, right after we returned home. Perhaps a penalty for the wonderful week we enjoyed in such a beautiful setting. Getting away for a time, a break in our normal daily routine, gives one time to be refreshed and to think. Patty and I enjoy sitting at the beach, people watching and enjoying the natural beauty found everywhere in Hawaii. We did some of that on our trip. Watching the waves roll in made me think about the precision in which the universe functions. The huge expanse of water and the effect of the moon on the tides was one thing that came to mind. Watching the sunset each evening, as well as the time change of sunrise and sunset daily intrigue me. When I take time to consider some of these everyday occurrences, which normally have no place in my thinking, I am reminded of how incredible the world we live in really is!
Being a person of faith, I don’t question creation. I am amazed by the working and beauty of the universe God created, as well as by how it functions. It all serves to solidify and assure me of the unquestionable validity of God and His Word.
How can I be certain there is HOPE?
As Romans 15:13 declares, God is the source of hope. There is an ample and growing body of proof the Bible is true and accurate! Historical manuscripts, unrelated to the scriptures, prove it’s truth and validity. Then there is my own life experience of Joy and Peace, because I have put my trust in Him. We do have confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, when Jesus Christ is Lord in our life, just as scripture declares.
If you are a believer, you are assured of this. If you have never taken a step of Faith, what is keeping you from experiencing the HOPE which is found only through faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:5 NLT)