Nothing should take the place of hope in our lives, especially in this present time. At times, hope is the only lifeline that sustains us in times of adversity. Hope is an anchor that brings stability in times of storm. Hope looks to the future, while faith is believing that what we hope for will certainly come to pass. Hope looks at the future, while faith is now. Hope is expectation; while faith says, I have it already.

No matter what hardship we face, God can make our expectations come through. Rom.8: 24,25 says, “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Pause for a while and ask yourself, “What have I hoped for which the economic recession has jeopardised?” “What have I planned for, but had to abort due to the economic recession?” I assure you, your plans will someday materialise. Look beyond the present times, your plans and hope shall be fulfilled. Simply keep your dreams alive!

When one is going through a storm, it is hard to imagine that there is a future ahead of us. (When we are going through a storm, our preoccupation is how to survive, rather than to think of the future.) We can hardly see or comprehend what the future holds in stock for us. But whether we believe it or not, a bright future lies ahead of us. Proverb 23:18 reads, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (NIV).
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Whether as individuals or for the nation, there is surely a bright future ahead of us. When the children of Israel were in one of their worst moments in history, God’s words to them was, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God wanted them to look beyond their predicament to a brighter future. The same applies to us now. Despite the economic recession, we must look at what lies ahead of us.
Focus

Hope must focus on God for it to wade through the adversities of life.  Like Paul counseled, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Hope that focuses on God patiently and confidently wait for God’s timing and visitation. Like Anna and Simeon waited for the birth of Christ, those who hope in God wait for Him.

Like Abraham, those who anchor their hope in God must keep hope alive no matter the odds, “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept on hoping – believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (Rom.4: 18). Abraham believed God to the end. Even when situations were contrary to his expectation, he did not vacillate. He kept on trusting in the faithfulness of God. “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to perform” (Rom.4: 20,21).

Hope in God is our greatest lifeline in this time of adversity, because as the Scripture says, “Hope does not disappoint.” So, child of God, forge ahead in this present time in hope. For contact: [email protected]