Hope And Confidence

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1-3: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Faith and hope are intertwined; for the object of your faith is your hope. The word “substance” translated in the Greek is” hupostasis” which is defined as “a placing or setting under, a substructure or foundation. However in the New Testament we find the word “confident or confidence.”

In the New Testament in (Philippians 3:4-16) the apostle Paul prior to his conversion found his confidence in his Jewish heritage and his personal accomplishments. But now he discovered that true confidence was to be found only through the power of God in Christ.

We too can rest in the knowledge that our true confidence, our hope is found in the power of Jesus Christ. God will do exactly as He promises.

In my field of work, the pastoral ministry, I see and talk to many who have given up hope; thrown in the towel, so to speak. They feel hopeless, unappreciated, and unloved.

I worked with the homeless and inner-city youth for over twenty years. I have seen devastation and hopelessness in its worst stage. I have looked into the eyes of people who spend their nights sleeping under bridges and in doorways, only to be met with blank stares and pinched lips. The looks speak volumes; more than words can convey. I prayed and asked God to direct and teach me how to help these people that, apparently have given up, and those the world shun and look down upon.

One of the answers that was revealed to me was to start a ‘rap session.’ In the summer of 1992, I started a ‘rap session’ in church that met one night a week for those seeking help.

One of the things that was most troubling were these people not only wee hopeless, but they felt unloved. One young man said, “After my birth, my mother tossed me in a trash can.” Tears streamed down his face, and he swiped at them with a napkin I handed him.

All hope was gone. He felt unworthy, unloved, and alone.

There were many stories over the years, and rivers of tears. Thankfully, along with the help of God, and my daughter, Charise, we were able to witness a remarkable transformation in the lives of many. Today, many are gainfully employed with families and homes.

There are people in Scripture who experienced times of hopelessness. I’m sure the mother of Moses had moments when she felt like giving up. The story of hopeless begins in Exodus 1:15-22.

Moses mother became pregnant, and after the birth of her son, she hid him for three months. In Exodus 2:3-10 we learn how God turned a hopeless situation around.

Not only did God turn the situation around but He allowed the mother to nurse her own child! Just as God turned this situation around, He can do the same for you.

Won’t you let Him? He wants to work a miracle in your life. Won’t you trust Him?