11/12/2022
How strong is our hope in God, and our faith in Jesus Christ? Do we turn towards the promises made to us in God’s Holy Word, and the gospel of Jesus Christ with absolute confidence? Do we trust with the faith that Abraham had in God, or do we need to touch the wounds of Christ like Thomas before we can bring ourselves to believe fully? Well, there is hope for us either way.
“In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.””
Romans 4:18 ESV
Hope and faith should stand strong within us even when the evidence of them is far away. Abraham, an old man, and Sarah as an old woman looked at the evidence of their age and knew that children were not humanly possible, and yet Abraham’s hope remained, and God rewarded it with Isaac. However, like Jacob and Moses he Abraham did not live long enough to see God’s promise completely fulfilled, that his offspring would be numbered with the stars…
“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,”
Hebrews 11:39 ESV
Do we have enough faith in the promises we have been given in scripture, and in our lives, that we too can carry our hopes to our graves with the absolute conviction of these righteous men?
Sometimes we wrestle with our hope and faith and ask for evidence like Thomas did. We find that our ability to believe has limitations, boundaries, and that we need a sign, or something tangible to strengthen us, or give our belief new life.
There was a young mother who’s baby was dying and her prayers for its deliverance seemed to be falling on deaf ears. But, in the moment when her hope was on the verge of being lost the child’s fever broke. Though not yet completely healed it was the evidence she needed to renew her faith, and give her continued hope. Do we find that we too need evidence to believe? Are we like this mother, or Thomas?
“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.””
John 20:27 ESV
As we pray for the faith of others there is a always hope for them. Though they might be on the verge of turning their faces away from the Lord like Thomas was, or simply need strengthening, our faith that they will return to Him should remain strong, and our prayers for them continue undeterred by doubt. Our hope, and our prayers for their strength, and the renewal of their faith, should continue without fail as we pray that they receive their sign, or that Jesus offers them His side as evidence of the truth in His promises.
“Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””
John 20:29 ESV
So whether we believe without seeing, or need a sign to reaffirm our faith, there is hope for us, and in us for others. Let’s look at our faith today, and our ability to maintain our hope in God’s Word. Let’s look about us for those who need our prayers, or if we are like Thomas, let’s look for the signs that are being offered to us during our moments of doubt. Whether by our prayers for those who doubt, or other’s prayers for us, let’s trust in the hope found in our faith.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for strengthening us in hope and faith so that in all circumstances we will trust in your Word, and know that you are with us. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who offered His hands, and side to Thomas so that his doubt would be removed. Help us with signs and wonders do that we too will turn back towards you when we are losing hope. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who’s promises are true, and bridge the gap between hope, faith, and experience. Praised be your name for allowing us to pray for the doubters, and for those who pray for us when our hope begins to fade. Merciful are you who sent your Son to redeem us, and also to meet us on the road to Emmaus when we feel lost and our hope turns to doubt. Wash us clean with the blood of Jesus whenever the dust of doubt, hopelessness, and sin has covered us. Open our eyes to your grace, and transform us as believers into the image of Jesus. Judge us not by the worldly work of our hands, but by the power of our faith, and the hope in our prayers. Lift us up in Jesus and seat us at your table forevermore… established in prayer, hopeful children of God, and faithful heirs with Jesus in your eternal promise. Let all we once could not see be seen, and our hopes be realized.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV
Rich Forbes