There is a reason to have hope

Suppose a trustworthy, wise friend said to you, “I have uncovered one of life’s most powerful secrets. It is a powerful tool that will help you through life.”

What would you say? Immediately, you’d probably ask, “What is it? I’d love to know how I can get it!”

Today, you will discover this secret, for I believe there is no power greater than hope, no incentive as great, and no tonic as strong as the joyful expectation of a better tomorrow. Hope is “absolute joyful expectation” created by our faith in God, for God is hope.

But, perhaps, you are struggling and hurting. You could be facing an insurmountable challenge that you’re powerless to change. And, at times, you might feel like you’re at the end of your rope.

Regardless of what you are going through, God is not finished with the great plan He has for your life. Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breathe, smile and start again. God’s eye is on the tiniest sparrow; and, right now, God’s eye is on you. He is faithful for, “He who began a good work in you will complete it.” (Philippians 1:6).

And so, be filled with a new joy, a new faith and a new life. There is a reason to have hope.

A while back, I read about Mother Teresa’s “Home of the Dying.” She ran it for people who were very ill and that had nowhere to turn. The home was in Calcutta and Mother Teresa and her Sisters would bring in the poorest and sickest people from off the street. Taking their sick bodies inside, they took care of them until they passed away.

Yet, what was remarkable to mewas that I read that as these people were loved, prayed for, cleaned and cared for, instead of dying, some of them miraculously got well. They felt the love of God and the love of others. They were filled with hope, and that gave them the will to live. This reminds me of one of my favorite sayings that I learned from my mother, “Where there is life, there is hope.”

Start by thinking hopeful thoughts, expressing hopeful words and initiating hope-filled actions. Don’t live worried and afraid. Adopt an attitude that radiates a belief in the power of hope. You will find that with hope in your heart, you can overcome any obstacle, conquer any problem and accomplish every dream.

Every morning talk optimistically. Allow good to overflow in your life by deliberately, consciously and consistently asserting positive words. Remember; use exact declarations to meet definite needs. During the day, utter, “God is guiding me to victory,” “New friendships and opportunities are just around the corner,” “Wonderful things are going to happen to me,” “With God all things are possible,” “I will defeat this challenge,” “I am blessed with ever-increasing health,” “Good is coming into my life,” “God will rise to my defense,” “I am strong in the Lord

and the power of His might,” and “I’m grateful for all that is good and right in my life.”

Talk of the upside. Call them forth. Draw them in to you. Pray again and again. Stand on the promises of God and continue to declare what He is going to do for you. Then, watch for God’s Hand to move on your behalf. For soon, you’ll see the manifestation of God’s promises come to pass.

In the Bible when Joseph was thrown in prison for a

crime he didn’t commit, it was difficult to see how this adverse situation would work together for good. Yet, God was with Joseph, and He gave him gifts and capabilities that could not be hidden even within the walls of a jail cell. A prison keeper befriended Joseph and learned of his divine ability to interpret dreams. Before long, Joseph was called upon to interpret a dream for the Pharaoh. Jo- seph accurately foretold that seven years of abundance would be followed by a time of great famine. And because of Joseph’s gift of deciphering dreams, the Pharaoh appointed some men to oversupply grain, storing up their harvest for the shortage of food that was to come. Therefore, a nation was saved from future starvation. Joseph chose to have a hopeful, faithful attitude and God gave him unusual wisdom. In time, God’s purpose became clear, and Joseph was brought into view with the victory. Joseph was rewarded with overseeing the lands of Egypt, going from a prison to a palace.

In this story, what first appeared to be a huge problem was actually God positioning to advance Joseph on to something far greater. Scripture says, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7).