In these times we’re experiencing, I’m grateful for the extra words of understanding we get in the Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 13:7:
“LOVE . . . hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times].”
A love like that goes far beyond the way we often consider our hope.
How often do we hope for better weather on a day we’ll be going to the lake?
When was the last time you hoped for a good hair day?
Have you ever put your hope in politics or religion to make your life carefree?
All are examples of mere wishful thinking and certainly not “steadfast during difficult times!”
So what about this love-hope that steadies us?
Frederick Buechner describes our Hope well . . .
“For Christians, hope is ultimately hope in Christ. The hope that he really is what for centuries we have been claiming he is. The hope that despite the fact that sin and death still rule the world, he somehow conquered them. The hope that in him and through him all of us stand a chance of somehow conquering them too. The hope that at some unforeseeable time and in some unimaginable way he will return with healing in his wings.” ~originally published in Wishful Thinking
We live in times that definitely challenge even the steadiest Hope. But here’s your pro tip for today: Jesus secures our Hope for eternity rather than tying us to this time.
“This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us.” Hebrews 6:19-20 AMP
The next time you sense your resolve slipping or your focus bouncing from one unsteady idea to another, grab hold of the Hope Jesus offers.
Mind if I pray for us?
Jesus, our Hope in the chaos – Your daughters need something stronger than wishful thinking to steady us these days. We need Your voice to speak louder than our culture. We long for peace in this storm. May Your Spirit draw us nearer to You in the moments that seem loudest and by Your grace may we experience renewed Hope even in these times. Amen.
Equip Her 