“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
In one way or another, we all have something we are hoping for in our lives.
As believers we can be so thankful to have a relationship and to trust in the Creator to lead us toward fulfilling our hope. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most wonderful promises from God to His children. Hope is the shining light in the tunnel.
There are many examples in the Bible of hope and faith working together.
Abraham was doing his thing in life. He loved the Lord. God spoke to him and commanded him to leave the safety of his home and surroundings. He took his wife and what possessions he could and trusted God to lead him. His obedience was rewarded as he established a great nation. Faith and hope made this possible.
The woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years in Luke 8 kept going despite the humiliation and rejection she experienced with her family and community because she believed there was a cure despite all the remedies she had tried. The touch of Jesus fully restored her health. She had hope, and she had faith.
What is your hope right now? Is it health, finances, reconciliation, or something else? Have you petitioned Jesus for help in your prayers? Perhaps you have and are waiting on Him for direction. If that is the situation, then be assured by His Word that He will “prosper you and not (to) harm you.” Sometimes we want to act because we become impatient to make things happen instead of giving more time to prayer and seeking the guidance of our Heavenly Father.
David wrote this in a season of trouble, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
Our Lord wants all of us to have the best life possible. He desires us to live in love and peace with our neighbors and ourselves. He offers the wisdom of His Word, the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in each of us, to be our faithful friend, and to support our journey through all our days. Even when relationships or situations are challenging, Jesus is our source of strength to move forward.
Lord, we thank you for Your wise counsel and comfort. You wait patiently for us to stop talking and to listen. So, today, we sit at Your feet and enjoy our friendship without asking for anything. You know our needs, Jesus. You will always be with us. You are our hope. We are thankful. Amen.