Now hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)
Romans 5:3-4 gives a tremendous road map for break- through. “We also glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, char- acter; and character, hope.” Character would seem as a final goal for the Christian, but there is something beyond character that must be possessed; it’s hope.
Hope is the confident expectation of good coming. It is an overall optimistic attitude about the future based on the goodness and promises of God. Hope joins faith and love as the “big three” of Christianity (I Corinthians 13:13). Ro- mans 15:13 says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Abounding hope is our goal.
Biblical hope is radical optimism for us, others, our family, the church, our communities, and beyond. This posi- tive expectation releases God’s promises in a way that character never could (for kingdom life does not manifest because of good works but by our faith). Godly character cannot be bypassed, but there is something more that is truly needed (hope) to impact the world in exponential ways.
Declare: My future is as bright as the promises of God. I therefore am a person of abounding hope. I expect God’s goodness to increase daily in my life and surroundings.
Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF
When we are fearful, we have too much faith in Satan and not enough in God. Fear is confidence in something bad happening.
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