Coming Good

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Biblical hope is a marvelous thing. It has three important distinctions from the way our world uses the word. First, it’s not a “maybe.” The definition is… “A happy and confident expectation of coming good because of the promises of God through Christ.”

Secondly, this hope is not the ‘power of positive thinking.” It’s not the product of our own strength. It is a powerful fruit, from the God of Hope, infused by the presence of His Spirit in our lives. Over every enemy and heartache of life, He diffuses a confidence of “coming good” because He focuses our faith on Christ’s power and promise to return.

Thirdly, this hope anchors us. Just as every ship needs an anchor, every life needs hope in Christ, or it will end up lost or shipwrecked. God assures… “two immutable things (Christ’s resurrection and return), in which it is impossible for God to lie, that we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us (eternal life in Christ): which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both secure and steadfast…” (Hebrews 6:18,19).

When people groan at the dismal state of our world, saying, “Who will show us any good?” we can point them to Christ. His Cross is where all goodness - forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life – begins. Hope testifies… “How great is His goodness, which He has in store for those who reverence Him; which He has worked for those who trust (hope) in Him before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19).

Happy New Year! Jesus is coming soon.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)