When we live with expectation and hope, we stand ready, anticipating the good things God has in store for us. Jesus forewarned of times when the world would shake with fear and be filled with dread (Luke 21:25-28). While everything feels like it “wobbles and shakes” around us with ever-increasing uncertainty, Christians assume a much different stance.
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was both a prolific Christian author and pastor to towns and villages in South Africa. He endured extreme hardship and for two years lost his voice, making it impossible for him to preach and minister to the people he loved so dearly. Yet, he, like multitudes of others who have walked through fires of affliction, held to the promises and faithfulness of God. He wrote, “Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.” That is hope!
Because God’s character remains consistent and His Word never fails, our expectations stand on a perfect and solid foundation for enduring hope and faith. He will fulfill all He promised. This grounded, holy expectation brings joy, inspires hope, and strengthens faith. God’s plans exceed our highest expectations. Who can imagine the wonderful future and destiny He has waiting for us.
But hope is not the absence of struggle.
It is the decision to believe, even inside the struggle, that something better is possible.
Hope doesn’t erase pain. It walks with it.
More than an Emotion
Beyond an emotional response, neuroscience proves that hope changes the structure of our brains, moving us into positive action. Hope increases healthy gray matter in the part of our brain responsible for “higher-order thinking,” initiating voluntary movement — the area of the brain which links thinking to action. Hope moves plans and ideas into physical movement.
Some people naturally seem to view life through a lens of optimism. Hope and optimism are different. Hope requires someone to view a path forward despite difficult circumstances. That’s where faith comes into focus. Reality might quite honestly show us that we may not _______ (Fill in the blank with whatever your big gap), but God can! Nothing is too big, too difficult, or too impossible for Him.
Wherever you find yourself today on the scale of hope, may these biblical truths inspire faith — a faith that erases doubt, causing hope to turn into action in and through your life.
