The Hope Chest - Part 2

What are you walking through? Is the current economic situation placing a strangle-hold on your family's budget? Are you facing a terminal illness? Have your kids been sucked into the vortex of a shameless, entitlement-driven, immoral culture? Is your marriage on the brink of collapse?

I know people in every one of these situations.

Satan uses the negative circumstances in our lives to steal our hope. When things look really, really bad for us, we would do well to remember Abraham. Romans 4:18 says, “For Abraham, human reason for hope being gone, hoped on in faith…” Abraham was an old man. Verse 19 goes on to tell us that his body was as good as dead.

Amazingly, Abraham faced the facts but refused to give up his hope. In fact, his faith to father a child actually increased, in spite of the fact that his own body was useless. Romans 4:20 goes on to say, “No unbelief or distrust made him waver or doubtingly question concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. (vv.21)…He was fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.”

When we’re bombarded by doubt, we mustn’t allow mere facts to dilute our hope.

How do we accomplish this? Instead of being imprisoned by hopelessness, God desires for us to become a different type of prisoner. Zechariah 9:12 says, “Turn you to the stronghold of security and prosperity, you prisoners of hope…” A prisoner of hope is captured by the Lord and dwells in the impenetrable stronghold of His hope.
Whatever you're walking through, know this: God wants you to hold on to hope. His hand is not too short. He is at work in spite of how awful things might look. So take courage; stand firm and hold fast. Dare to dream the dreams and hope for the things that He has tenderly placed inside your hope chest.



17 comments:

Karen said...

Oh, Julie there are many things in my Hope chest, and I am waiting for Him to open and complete. Thank you for that visual spiritual truth.

Diane said...

I'm trying to hold on. I've discovered that my only hope for certain situations is in Him. Leaning, leaning..... :O)

achildoftheking said...

This post struck right at home for me/us. To answer the questions you posed at the start... I can answer yes to three of them. God is a God of miracles and healing. He WILL meet your needs no matter what they are. We simply need to be obedient to Him. Amen.

Anonymous :) said...

Sometimes it seems that He is running late, but that has proven to be not so when I look back over the years. His timing is perfect.

Tammy said...

I know His is never late but it's the waiting that I hate.

B His Girl said...

I love the Hope Chest! Every Bride to be should have one.

Cheryl Barker said...

A prisoner of hope... Neat thought, Julie!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

Sista In Arms Lxx said...

Sometimes it's hard to see how all things work together for good, that's where hope and trust come in. Lxx

Melinda said...

Thank you for this, Julie. I needed this word today so badly. There IS always hope in Jesus. He is our Warrior and He is always working even in situations that seem bleak.

Stop by and see me ... I have an award for you on my blog, girlfriend! ;0)

Christina Davis said...

Love this.

We cannot underestimate the enemy's agenda. He is the anti-hope. I believe what God says in His word NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES of this world.

Tea with Tiffany said...

Hi Julie,

Wanted to pop in and wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm thankful our paths have crossed online.

Hope to meet you in person someday, Lord willing.

KelliGirl said...

Julie,
I've missed stopping by here. It's so refreshing to catch up. Your words on hope resonate with such truth. I'm praying for you as you travel through this season of starkness. Thank you for your Abraham-like example of faithfulness.

God is good even when our circumstances testify otherwise.

Wishing you and your family a joyous Thanksgiving.

Blessings,
Kelli

Jody Hedlund said...

Thank you for that inpsiring post, Julie! It's easy to give up hope. In our current culture sometimes so many things seem so hopeless! Thank you for the reminder to not give up hope!

Gaia said...

Hi Julie thank you for this reminder. I have been rambling on in my post, partly due to a loss in faith, worried and needy of his attention. Bless you.

Lindsey @ A New Life said...

I love the Romans verse Julie--- the lesson in it is something I am learning now. It is such a hard step to take...to give praise and glory to God for circumstances that don't seem to make sense, or that seem overwhelming, hopeless, and destructive. But in the obedience of taking that step, finding His faithfulness there all along and weaving throughout is truly beautiful.

Thank you for your constant encouragement and kindness!

Blessings,
Lindsey

Nishant said...

I am waiting for Him to open and complete.

Work From Home India

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Loved the "hope chest" (both parts). Today I sat across from a dear friend in the absolute pit of despair. We talked about hopelessness... about how "hope deferred makes the heart sick." I've known that kind of sickness many times, and I know the recipe for healing.

It all goes back to renewal in God's truth and promises. You have beautifully indicated that through your words here, and I needed to hear it again.

Anchoring my hope in Jesus this night~elaine

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