Hope

The Cambridge Dictionary defines hope as “the feeling that something desired can be had or will happen.” My experience in life seems to match Cambridge Dictionary's lack of a guarantee that a desired outcome will absolutely happen. Yet, we all need hope to help us through this life. 

Hope keeps us hanging on in the tough times. A glimmer of hope may be the only light in the darkest of situations. That may be all we have to keep us holding on when we're on the verge of giving up. 

One afternoon, I was at the 100 year old lady’s house when missionaries from her church came to visit. They were pleasant young men who were between the ages of 18-21 and typically had scripture or a lesson to share. One such visit brought a lesson about hope.

I was intrigued to hear what these young men would say about hope. They were young, after all, and most likely hadn't been through the struggles and trials that this woman had. They asked her what gave her hope in the times of turbulence. Her answer was simple: “it’s about knowing and believing.”

I sat and pondered this for a minute. So simple. So profound. Yet I didn’t find it to be bulletproof. There were holes in this statement.

Knowing what? Believing what?

Is knowing enough? Is believing enough? Human beings have a short memory. I may know and / or believe something, but as soon as I find myself once again in a showdown with a giant, I easily forget and lose hope. I forget what I know. I forget what I believe. I forget who God is. I forget who I am. I even forget that Jesus told us we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). He was right. 

Throughout our lives hopes are dashed, dreams crumble. I used to think that going from "glory to glory" (2 Cor 3:18) meant I would swing on the treetops of victory, swinging from one triumphant branch to the next triumphant branch, never touching the ground. In my mind, I pictured Tarzan. Reality doesn't resemble this Tarzan image AT ALL. After one momentous, treetop experience, another menace to hope is not far behind. 

An engine cannot propel a vehicle unless adequately filled with fuel on regular intervals. Hope is no different. When we experience going from trial to triumph, it fuels our faith and produces hope in us. We need to see evidence and results to keep us going during time of struggle. Prayers answered, sicknesses healed. A testimony is not just for the one who lived through it, but also for others to be strengthened and encouraged. Hearing testimonies from others can serve as fuel in our "hope tank," too. It does not always need to be first hand to be just what we need in trying moments.

For reference:

"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." 

Rev 12:10a.

For your listening pleasure: "Hope is what we crave and that will never change..."