Rom 15:13 -Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
On April 17, 2022, believers all over the world celebrated the Resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ which was wonderful. Although many people refer to it as Easter, it is Resurrection Sunday! Why? Because the most powerful thing about the LORD’s death, and burial was his resurrection from the grave with all power in his hand, and guess what?
There had to be a living hope among the people that what was prophesied about Jesus Christ was true. So, in believing what was said, they had to keep hope alive! Why? Because if there was no hope, then there would have been no expectation of what was to come!
The Apostle Paul said in Rom 15:13: Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Notice that we serve a God of hope! I have been through so many things in my life, but the thing that keeps me strong is that I keep hope alive! Many times, people wonder how you are making it, but they don’t know you have a living faith and hope that causes you to persevere! Hallelujah!
So, what is hope? It is a desire of something good, accompanied with an expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope is not wishing, but it is an expectation or the possibility of possessing of seeing something come to pass that may be in your heart!
The word “Hope” in the Greek is: “El Pece” which means anticipate, expectation or confidence!
I want to encourage everyone under the sound of my voice that no matter what your circumstances are, you must keep hope alive. Hope is expectation. Hope is being optimistic that what you are believing by faith shall come to pass, and hope coupled with strong faith is powerful!
The only way one can truly overcome, endure, and walk in victory despite situations in life is through faith and hope in the LORD! Although many of us went through trials and tribulations in 2020-2021, you are still standing in 2022. Why? Because of great expectation for God to change your situation!
I don’t know if you can comprehend the importance of keeping hope alive, but the scriptures have some interesting revelation about the power of hope!
Paul tells us in 1 Thess 2:19:
1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Jesus is indeed coming back again! There is an anticipation of faith and hope that keeps us serving him faithfully. Never allow people, haters, or the devil to shake your faith and hope in the LORD!
The Prophet Jeremiah tells us in Lamentations chapter 3:
Lam 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have, I hope.
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
Lam 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
To lament is an expression of sorrow, and cry of grief, but Jeremiah gives us the revelation of hope!
The book of Hebrews gives us the revelation of hope as well!
Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Heb 6:12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,
Heb 6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Heb 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…
I want to encourage someone all over the world, that no matter where you are, what your situation is, or what you are going through! Keep hope alive in the LORD!! Keep trusting, keep believing, keep praising, keep worshipping, and keep serving the LORD. Knowing that God is able to make all grace abound toward you through your faith, hope and love for him!
Paul said that after it is said and done, remember 1 Cor 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
I want you to remember:
Keep your faith strong in the LORD – It’s not over till God says it’s over!
Keep your hope alive in the LORD – It’s not over till God says it’s over!
And last but not least, love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength in Jesus Name! Amen.
God Bless, Pastor Quinn