Hope against Hope or Hope Beyond Hope?

Hope. An interesting word and even more interesting concept. Multifaceted with different nuances, depending on how "hope" is used. Hope can be something you dream of, something you want to happen or something that will actually happen.

How can any hope be so powerful that it gets us through situations where we see no hope or we have given up hope? And if we give up hope, do we still have it?

This really wouldn't matter if I weren't a person of faith, faith in Jesus who gives hope. But what is this hope he gives, and how does this hope help me when I am struggling? And why is it superior?

It has to be bigger than, "I hope this or that happens." It has to be bigger than, "If I do what I am suppose to then I can anticipate this happening." It has to be bigger than, "I hope you will get to feeling better." It has to be bigger than whatever I am dealing at this time, good or bad.

Read the following passages and see if you are able to answer these questions from hearing God's Word.

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:5).

Hope that God gives comes out of his love for us. His love that is displayed so vividly in Jesus--who suffered, died, and was raised, all for our benefit, all for us to have real hope, that is sure and certain. It is bigger than the here-and-now. It is bigger, better and more powerful than suffering, challenges, or earthly successes. Our hope is based in and on everlasting love.

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:22-25)

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4)

"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" (Romans 15:13)

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (Ephesians 1:18-23)

Our hope is in the only true and living God, the God of creation, the God of life, the God of love. Our hope is in the God who is always faithful to his promises. And his promises are this, for all those who put their trust in Jesus will not be disappointed. Because, we now have a sure hope and certain destiny to be in a relationship with him, that will ultimately result in being in his glory. We are empowered in and encourage in this hope by God's Holy Spirit. This hope is produced in hearts by the loving power of God. Therefore, it is a hope much bigger, more powerful and more certain than any earthly "I hopes."

Our hope is in God. Our hope is produced in our hearts by God. Our hope is ultimate. Based in God's love through Jesus. Sure because of God's faithfulness. Strengthened by his Word. Greater because of what this hope is--life with God now and forever.

During our earthly existence, we need to be reminded, it does get better than this. And the way it becomes real in our hearts is by allowing God to produce it in us as we seek his face through prayer, his Word, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:2-3)