The Hope of the Christian Life

Have you ever wondered, “What is this ‘hope in Christ’ pastors always refer to?” After searching Scripture, I came up with three hopes that I believe they are speaking of.

-Hope that God is with us and will help us in time of need.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

“… we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:5-8

-Hope that we are free from the enemy’s strongholds, because God has already overcome death and given us Eternal life in His Son, Jesus Christ.

“…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world...” – 1 John 5:4

“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” – Revelation 12:10

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

-Hope of Christ’s Return and the coming “Day of the Lord.”

We can wait in eager anticipation for the coming “Day of the Lord” with all of its wonders and rewards. When Christ returns, our faith will be made righteous (see Galatians 5:5).

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2

“For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see,
we wait with endurance.”
(Romans 8: 24 – 25)

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body...." Philippians 3:20-21

Lastly, I want to leave you with an encouraging quote I read from Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul. “God’s driving this train. So as long as we stay on it, everything will be all right.”
I pray that you will continue to keep fighting and trusting that God will be your shield.

God bless,
Shannon