Psalm 33:11
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”
There are many who start their Monday with heavy hearts. Loss, pain, ailments, afflictions, tests and trials bring heaviness as we navigate life. It’s in these times that we are encouraged to, as the songwriter put it, “turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full, in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim – in the light of His glory and grace.” Oh, what a sweet reminder these lyrics bring to a heavy heart. Even through hardships and mourning, we turn our gaze to the face of our Savior to see His glory and goodness. We turn to the promises of God, found in His Word. May we find comfort and guidance in the promises of God. As Bethlehem Baptist has been studying through our Sunday School curriculum, Exodus Sunday Morning Series, and James Sunday Night Series – we are often reminded of a crucial truth about God. That truth is that He, and He alone, is in control and His promises are unfailing.
Hope Against Hope – Abraham’s Faith When He Could Not See
Paul writes in Romans 4 about Abraham’s “hope against hope,” describing a man that believed God’s promise – even when everything naturally said, “it’s impossible.” Sarah was far beyond childbearing years, yet God had promised she and Abraham would have the “child of promise.” Abraham believed God and His Word. He believed he would be the father of many nations. This serves as an incredible example for us. Real hope. Hope that’s not rooted in fantasy. We don’t pretend that pain is something foreign, or that circumstances can’t feel overwhelming. Hope against hope means believing that God never fails. His goodness and purposes according to His will always come to pass – even when we cannot see His hand at work.
“In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:18-21 (ESV)
We are reminded of the quote, “God’s doing 10,000 things in your life and you may be aware of 3 of them.” Hope against hope means that we trust God above all else, even when our thoughts, minds and emotions say otherwise – because He is worthy.
Because He Lives, Our Hope is Alive
As children of God, our hope is not in what might eventually happen, our hope is in what has happened already. There is a tomb in Jerusalem that is empty. Jesus was raised from the dead – defeating hell, death and the grave. Because He lives, we have hope in the resurrection. Not only did Christ take on your sin, your guilt, your shame, and your punishment – He was raised for your justification. Because He lives, our hope is alive and a very present reality.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Because He lives, our hope is never to be lost. Our hope lives with our risen Savior. The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that no matter the circumstance, no matter the diagnosis or even death – God has the final word. Children of God are not bound to sin and eternal death because, in Christ, we are free. Grace now reigns, as the Apostle Paul says.
Why does the resurrection bring hope?
- The resurrection proves the vindication of Christ (Romans 1:4).
- It is assurance of our justification (Romans 4:25).
- It is the power for our sanctification (Romans 6:4–5).
- It is the promise of our glorification (Romans 8:11).
Once day – death will be no more. Sin will be no more. One day, we will dwell in the very presence of the Lord forever. Our faith will be sight.
When We Cannot See His Hand at Work, Trust His Word.
In the moments that hope feels lost, when the waiting seems too much – be encouraged by God’s Word. It is His Word, not our feelings, that is truth.
Know that:
- God is still working. Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
- Silence does not mean stagnation. Isaiah 64:4 – “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.”
- Waiting does not mean it is over. Lamentations 3:25-26 – “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
- The reality of Christ is the light in darkness. 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Spurgeon once said, “Hope itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, but only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”
When you do not understand your circumstances, trust in who He is.
Hope That Anchors the Soul
“ We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,” Hebrews 6:19 (ESV)
Anchors do not remove the storm and rough waters, but steady you in the tough times. This is what hope in the resurrection does – it anchors our very souls and faith to the unchanging goodness of God.
Because Jesus Lives:
- Death no longer has the final word.
- Suffering does not negate God’s faithfulness.
- Believers will be raised one day, just as Christ was raised. We will be given glorified bodies and will dwell with Him forever.
Philippians 3:20-21 – “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.”
The very same God who rolled away the stone of the borrowed tomb Jesus once laid in, will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). Until that day, we hope against hope – because we know the ending: Jesus is victorious.
Closing Encouragement
Our living hope is not based on what we can see, it is based on the Savior who has conquered sin, hell and the grave.
For us, that means we believe in God, His goodness and His Word, even when we cannot see.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)