July 18

A Hope That Will Not Disappoint

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 75:1-10 | 1 Chronicles 26:12- 27:34 | Romans 4:13 – 5:5 | Proverbs 19:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 4:13- 5:5

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…” (Romans 4:18 NIV).

His situation was absolutely hopeless.  How could Abram and Sara—well past child bearing years—become the father of many nations? The facts: “his body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and Sara’s womb was also dead.” Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.

How could he have hope, when his situation seemed hopeless? What was his secret?

He remembered the promise. “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God” (20).

He knew that “the promiser” was faithful. “Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised (21). “He considered him faithful who had made the promise” (Heb. 11:11).

Hope that doesn’t disappoint comes from an intimate walk with our God who is faithful to his promises. It remembers the promises of God and finds the grace to stand and persevere even through the trials of faith.  It finds strength by relying on the character of the one who is faithful—strength to believe and strength to praise and give glory to God (20). It looks to the future glory when the going gets tough down here (5:2-5). It also remembers that God has a purpose in the trial of our faith that can bring joy even through the times of suffering (we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope).

When it’s all said and done, this trial of faith is going to cause me to hold on to Jesus more tightly, and he’s going to rub off on me.  I’m going to become more like him—and I will find that my hope brought me through without disappointment.  Most importantly, nothing can separate me from his love and knowing that he loves me can help me through the deepest, darkest trial (5:5, 8:28-39). I don’t know about you, but that brings me hope!

Heavenly Father, thank you for being faithful to your promises. Help me to persevere in this time of trial that this hard time will produce character, and character will produce hope, a hope that will not disappoint. Pour out your love into my heart today and help me to press on in faith. I am trusting in you, Father and trying to keep step with your Spirit which gives me strength. Amen.