Hope!

Hope. You need it. I need it. We all desperately need hope. What kind?

Hope for change.
Hope for a new and better day.

Here’s the good news. You can have it.

Let me ask you a few questions:

Are you stuck in your walk with Christ?
Do you know someone who needs to change?
Have you watched someone be inconsistent day after day?
Why believe someone who is a struggler?
Why have hope that you can change?
Why have hope that someone else can change?

The Apostle Paul explains it to us.

 

You have more hope than you can even comprehend.

Here’s the verse that gives all of us hope.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)

Notice what Paul teaches here related to your sanctification. Paul explains that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. In what area? In the area of sanctification. As a product of the Gospel, God is able to make real and significant changes in you and in other people.

The one that you believe cannot change, can.

You also can change.

No because you are wise or have enough energy, insight, or planning, but because God works in you. The power that works in you is the power of the Holy Spirit (cf., Eph 1:19-23). The power that raised Christ from the grave works in you.

Exceedingly. Abundantly. Above all that we ask or think.

What do you do, then?

It begins with two elements.

First, hope. Believe in what the Bible says. Trust God to help you and help the ones for whom you are burdened. No doubt, whatever level you desire to see change in another person, God the more. God desires to see change in them as well. Plus, He is working on changing them according to His providential plan.

Second, walk in the Spirit. The power of the Spirit changes you. Therefore, give the Spirit as much room as possible to work in your life. Read the Word. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Pray. Look for places where you need to put off those things that do not honor God, then do it. Where you put off attitudes, thoughts, words, and behaviors that do not honor God, then replace those with the same that do honor God.

In both steps, just get started. What can you do today, right now, at the beginning of your week, to get started?

 

Image Credit  Harli Marten