We Have the Assurance of Hope

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1)

Do I believe in miracles? Yes! Do I believe God created the heavens and the earth? Yes! Do I believe he created me with an eternal soul? Yes! Do I believe God’s angels protect me from supernatural attacks? Yes! Do I believe the promise that Jesus will return for his people one day? Yes! Do I believe in all those things even though I cannot prove them empirically? Yes! I can’t see God or his angels, but I can “feel” his presence deep in my soul. I live by faith, not by sight.
In my past, before I was saved, I said that God was either dead or he never existed at all. I can't imagine believing like that anymore. I used to think we ceased to exist after this life is over. I remember thinking how depressing that was. Instead of trying to figure out if it was true, I chose to ignore the subject all together. Who wants to think about dying when you’re a health 20 or 30 something? Now, I have the assurance that when I die, I will go to be with Jesus. It's not bragging, it's not wishful thinking, it's my confident faith in his promises.
When I look around the world these days, I don't see a whole lot to have faith in. I have faith in my personal relationships, like those with my children, grandchildren and the rest of my family and friends but beyond them I don't see much else. Can anyone tell me what I am supposed to have faith in if not God? I believe this world is approaching God's promised wrath for its collective sins. Without the promise of his coming, I might run for the hills.
My faith in what’s to come is always hopeful because I have the pattern of past prophesy fulfilled. The "hope" I have is not like an unexpected “wish” to win the lottery. It’s the confident expectation of a promised outcome. In other words, as a believer I don't unexpectedly “wish” Jesus will return someday, I “know” and eagerly await his return! My hope comes from the Lord and will be until he comes. Maranatha!






Heavenly Father, you are so, so good to us. We cannot brag about how much we love you, because we fail you all the time. However, we can brag about how much you love us, because your love never fails. We cannot see or touch you, but we can “feel” your presence every day. We treasure the assurance of knowing what comes after this life. Thank you, Lord, for the guarantee of an eternity, secure in the bosom of your love. Even though we don’t necessarily look forward to dying, the dread of dying is gone from our thoughts. We are assured if we pass from this life, we will be with you. We are assured that on the day of the resurrection, you will bless us with an imperishable body, that we may live with you forever. We are assured that Jesus will return one day and make all things new. Lord strengthen our faith, so we are never confused or loose confidence in your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

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