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Hope

There are two kinds of hope. The first is where we long for something, but are unsure whether or not
what we hope for will happen: “I hope I win the lottery.” “I hope I get accepted into XYZ university.” “I
hope the doctor says my sickness is curable.” “I hope she says ‘Yes’ when I ask her to marry me.” All of
us entertain hopes of this variety.
But there is a second kind of hope, one especially dear to Christians. It also is where we long for
something, but this time we know for sure that we will get what we want. It is just a matter of time; the
future event or object is guaranteed. Though we don’t see it yet, we know what we hope for is coming.
This is the hope described throughout the New Testament. Hebrews 6 says that because it is
impossible for God to lie “we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly
encouraged” and “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Since God has promised
eternal life in Jesus, we who are his can hope for the day when he calls us home. Not with an “iffy” kind
of hope, uncertain of fulfillment, but with certainty. Since God has promised, he will do it.
Hope is our heritage as Christians! “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been
poured out into our hearts (Rom 5:5).” “If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently
(Rom 8:25).” “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13).” “We wait for the blessed hope—the
glorious appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13).” “Let us hold
unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Heb 10:23).”
Because God has promised, believers rest in the sure hope of heaven.