Dave’s Monday Blast – November 7, 2022
Well another election is upon us. Few would debate that the results of this one will change our way of life. In Romans 15:13 the Apostle Paul wrote: “Now may the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Hope is usually defined as a desire for something, accompanied by the anticipation of receiving it. If our expectation isn’t fulfilled, it’s easy to become discouraged. We have an enemy who wants to steal our hope. As the father of lies, Satan tries to keep us focused on our circumstances so we will doubt God’s love and care for us.
Pastor Charles Stanley writes in his publication IN Touch: “At times we feel desperate and abandoned, but emotions are not reliable. As children of the heavenly Father, we’re never in hopeless circumstances because He promises to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). But His concept of ‘good’ doesn’t always match ours. Too often we set our hopes on the things of this world, whereas God prioritizes our spiritual well-being.”
If you are disappointed, discouraged, or fearful as a result of setting your hopes on the wrong aspiration, i.e. election results this week, redirect your focus on the source of lasting hope. Of course we have dreams and expectations of better days and we pray for revival, but we must learn to hold them loosely. Stanley comments: “We need to have an attitude of submission to God and trust that He’s still working for our good when they don’t come to fruition.”
The lesson here is simply this: Keep your sights clearly focused upon the Kingdom of God. All of our expectations specific to His Kingdom will be realized because of our living hope in Christ. He is unfailing and eternal.
