HOPE

By Ivan Seskis (Head of Senior School)

When three words like faith, hope and love are put together in a sentence it is often the word hope that I feel is overlooked and underestimated.

Erwin McManus, in his book Soul Cravings states: “…hope is essential for our souls to thrive.” and “If you don’t believe you have a future worth living for, your spirit loses all hope, and your soul was not designed to live without hope.”

Hope plays a vital and amazing role in our life. We can live in hopeful anticipation of something wonderful like the birth of a child, a new job or car, a new pet, a new relationship or the release of the next movie you are looking forward to see. Hope can bring a smile to your face, a sparkle to your eye and put a spring in your step.

Even in the most successful life there are times when there may be profound loss and heartache. In times of crisis sometimes hope is the only thing we have to hold on to. Many of us have lost important and significant things in life like jobs, houses, health, relationships and loved ones. These losses can be absolutely devastating and are painful to experience, but we often adjust and in time, move on. But if someone loses all hope, they can become absolutely broken.

Hope. That thin thread of emotion that inspires action and can change attitudes. Hope seems to lay dormant until it's amazing strength is called upon. The strength of belief that you can and will overcome, that you can and will persevere. Hope redefines what is probable and makes the impossible possible!

If you find yourself without hope in any area of your life, don’t stay there. Put your hope in God. To have hope, to be hope-full, is a wonderful thing and can give you strength way beyond your means. To put your hope in God is a fruitful and rewarding action. The hope that we have in Christ is a wonderful and life giving gift available to everyone. We can put our hope in God and know that He can make the impossible possible. He can make good come out of the bleakest situations.

How do you put your hope in God? Talk to Him. Pray. Remember that God loves you and wants the best for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares God, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God knows the importance of hope. God knows us and wants us to thrive in our life.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in God 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.”

Hope – don’t overlook or underestimate it. Enjoy the feeling of hope and the strength that comes from placing your hope in God.