Relentless Hope

Read: Romans 4:18-22

Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping. Romans 4:18

IN WORD

We have few problems with hope when all is going well and the future looks bright. But God doesn’t normally cultivate our hope in that context, does He? No, He lets our hope run into obstacles and challenges and contradictions far more often than we’re comfortable with, stretching us to near-breaking point until our hope either fades or stands in unrealistic defiance against visible circumstances. At times, He even seems to oppose our hope Himself, seeing if we’ll hang on to what we know to be true about Him, though all reason suggests we’re wrong. These are the fires in which real hope—the kind rooted in eternity—is forged.

We don’t like that process. We aren’t comfortable with hoping “against all hope” (Romans 4:18, NIV) or when there is “no reason” visibly supporting us. We don’t enjoy critics who think we’re irrational or delusional or naive. Like all human beings, we love respect and affirmation. But when all the underpinnings for our hope seem to have been removed, we don’t get much understanding from those around us. We can only wait for vindication at the end of the promise.

That’s what Kingdom hope looks like. It’s rooted in love, the kind that allows us to look at our King with complete trust that He will not let us down. Without that foundation, hanging on to our hope is a hopeless endeavor. But knowing who He is—relentlessly clinging to His character and goodness and love—puts us on solid footing in His Kingdom. We see things that other people can’t see. We look for evidence of His Kingdom coming into dark places. We pray persistently for the signs of the Kingdom and the will of the King. We hope no matter what.

IN DEED

Whatever it takes, cultivate hope in your heart. God is never pessimistic about your life; neither should you be. See through hope-colored lenses. Refuse to listen to any thought that doesn’t come from the mind of God. Be as stubborn as Abraham in waiting for God’s promises. Eventually, true God-given hope is fulfilled.

ADDITIONAL READING: Hebrews 11:8-10

Hope can see heaven through the thickest clouds.

THOMAS BENTON BROOKS