You heard the saying “Well, I hope this works” or “I am hoping and praying”. The
natural type of hope is just wishing and maybe something will come through.
However, true hope is the God kind of hope. Those who put their trust in
the Lord will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11), The God kind of hope will not
let you be ashamed (Romans 5:5).
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and being certain of what we
do not see (Hebrews 11:1).
Romans 4 is dealing with Abraham trusting in God (please read and meditate
on the whole chapter). God gave Abraham a promise that he would be the father
of many nations and that he will have a child. Because Abraham believed God, it
was counted to him as righteousness. He believed before it manifested. Because
he believed, as an act of faith, he was circumcised. Abraham did not grow weak
in faith but gave glory to God. He did not even consider his age or
circumstance. He was so focused on God that he was fully persuaded that God
will do what he promised. That is real faith and hope!
I was reading a book by a pastor dealing with faith. He said he was
believing God for finances. He was making his confessions and thanking God. It
was getting close to the deadline, and he still needed the money. He kept
making his bible confessions, but he said it was not out of faith, it was out of
desperation. God told him to be quiet because he was not quoting the scriptures
out of faith. He said God told him “Let me do it for you”. As he got quiet, he
heard God tell him: “One word from me will change your life.” A
calmness came over him and he was fully persuaded God would provide for him.
God did just that.
There have been times I really thought I was in faith, and it was just me
quoting scriptures out of desperation. Once I got quiet, God told me “Stand
still and see the salvation of God that he will show to you today (Exodus 14:13).” That
one word from God gave me the assurance that God had me and was going before
me.
Mornings are great for hearing the voice of God because everything is quiet with no distractions. You will find me if you seek me early (Proverbs 8:17) There is something about the mornings; wisdom comes to you.
John 2:1-12’s passage dealt with the miracle at the wedding with Jesus turning
water to wine. I noticed a few things. When Jesus’ mother said there was no
more wine, Jesus told her it was not time yet. This scripture came to me: Through
faith and patience we inherit the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12). Mary
said in John 2:5, “Whatever he says to you do it.” This scripture also came to me: “If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19). Jesus told Mary to use the jars with water. The water turned to wine.
As believers, we can have true hope in God’s word. God’s word is true and
sure. As we read the word and meditate, it will get into our heart. The word of
God will give us the peace we need as we rest in God’s finished work. Faith
will flow out of our hearts when the pressure comes, and it will not be out of
desperation. Proverbs 24:10 Message Translation: 10 If
you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first
place.
Real faith and hope will not fold or choke!
Prayer: God, in you I have true hope because all your promises are
“yes” and “amen”. God, I repent for quoting scriptures out of
desperation and fear. I choose to mediate and labor in the word of God until I
am fully persuaded that you will come through for me. I rest in your finished
work. I stand still and see your salvation. I seek you early in the morning
because that is where I find wisdom and instruction for every situation. I give
you the glory and praise. In Jesus name! Amen.