A Steadfast Hope

A Steadfast Hope

“And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” 2 Cor. 1:7.

Paul knew that he could be steadfast in his hope, because he knew that the God of all hope and comfort stands behind the sufferings with an abundance of hope and comfort.

Abraham had a steadfast and living hope where all human reasoning had come to an end. Through faith he became the heir of all the promises of God’s manifold blessings.

Faith reckons the day of adversity for the day of prosperity, because it is a day of salvation. If faith is not firmly united with a living hope, then we are thrown hither and thither in unrest and anxiety by our deceitful feelings.

Indolence and indifference are not found in faith. We must run in faith in the battle that overcomes everything that wants to prevent us from obtaining the hope we are looking forward to with joy.

How good and secure it is to live in this evil world with a good and upright heart and with God’s pleasure over us. Nothing that is in darkness can overcome the light and the weapons of light. Through the light we are liberated from the power of darkness and the evil circle of our thought life. Those who seek happiness through narcotics and alcohol end up in the greatest unhappiness in their own life, and they are the cause of unhappiness in the lives of those with whom they associate. They enter into the most terrible darkness and into the depths of despair. They have nothing firm to hold onto.

Once we have received a living hope in Christ Jesus we must hold on to it and go forward with great boldness and joy.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 15:13. Thankfulness for having received this living hope must be sincere and great.

“You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Pet. 3:17-18.