Over the weekend a great message from 1 Corinthians 13:7 speaking to Hope and Endurance was preached. Pastor Josh pointed out the importance of what we put our hope in because when we put our hope in the wrong things or people who aren’t able to do it, including hope in ourselves, it creates roots that will tear us apart when the storms and waves of life come our way. When we have our hope in the right things it enables us to have hope for the right things. Putting our trust in something that doesn’t have the power to deliver leads to disappointment, bitterness, and frustration. Therefore, it’s important to trust in the right thing. Just as the vision presented, we must place our trust in Jesus. In doing so, even as trials and tribulations churn within our lives, our hope, anchored in Him, will prevail. We will endure with love, rather than succumb to losing our capacity to love.
Hope in Jesus to Ensure You Are Hoping for the Right Things
Joy and Peace through Divine Hope
Romans 15:13 reminds us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse highlights the profound impact of placing our hope in God. When our hope is rooted in Jesus, we are filled with joy and peace, even in life’s storms. This divine hope doesn’t just sustain us; it overflows, influencing those around us. Practically, this means seeking God’s presence daily through prayer and scripture, allowing His promises to fill and guide our hearts. We must place our trust in reliable sources. By doing so, we build a resilient foundation that withstands life’s challenges, transforming potential despair into steadfast hope.
Perseverance through Focus on Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” In doing so, we are reminded that our spiritual journey is not one we undertake alone. Jesus, who endured the cross and scorned its shame, is our example and enabler. When we focus on Jesus, we can navigate life’s difficulties with perseverance and grace. To put this into practice involves actively shifting our focus from worldly distractions and personal failures to Jesus’ unwavering love and sacrifice. This shift empowers us to endure hardships with renewed purpose and hope, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in Him.
Unwavering Hope Anchored in Christ
In essence, anchoring our hope in Jesus ensures we are not easily swayed by the temporal and often disappointing promises associated with worldly things. Through steadfast hope, we find the strength to endure and the capacity to love unconditionally, following the example set by Christ. To live this out, we must continually align our hearts and minds with His truth, seeking community with fellow believers for support and encouragement. This collective hope strengthens our faith and serves as a beacon of light to others, drawing them towards the transformative power of Jesus.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: LOOKING FORWARD
Verse: 2 Peter 3:14 (NIV)
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
Today’s devotional kicks off speaking about looking beyond our current problems and challenges to a future where they are resolved. In particular they mentioned “facing news you’re dreading, or burdens your bearing”. We know that in this world we will have troubles and today’s devotional reminds us that “we can be of good cheer because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).”
So let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus and His return as He is bigger than any of our problems and in the end we will spend eternity with Him without sickness, pain, or tears. Today’s devotional reminds us that “He will give rest to the troubled, and an eternal weight of glory for those facing ‘light momentary affliction’ (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV).” It goes on to point us to Romans 8:18 where we are reminded “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.“
Today’s devotional goes on to compare how our current situations vs our future destiny will be as follows:
- “our sighs will become songs”
- “our heartaches will become hallelujahs”
- “our worldly woes will swallowed up in everlasting joy”
Are you going through challenges or troubles today? Trials or tribulations? Make sure to set your sight on the right thing and keey your focus on Jesus because as Colossians 3:1 says “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.“
Today’s devotional closes with this challenge for us dads to set our minds on things above and to read, visualize, meditate on, pray, and speak of the end of the Bible so we can capture the reality of the victory of Jesus found in the book of Revelation, as we read in Revelation 22:20 that says “come, Lord Jesus”.
“Beyond the bounds of time and space, look forward to that happy place.”
CHARLES WESLEY
