Hope is Stronger Than Fear

What is hope?  When I was a kid—the youngest of four--each year when my birthday rolled around, I hoped it would be the year I could finally experience a real birthday party: cake, streamers, neighborhood playmates, and of course, birthday presents.

Year after year passed with no celebrations.  My birthday fell in the dead of winter, and I inevitably ended up with whatever sickness was going around at the time.  Each year my hope was shattered—until my thirteenth birthday.  That was the year my sister blessed me with my very first party, complete with all the trimmings—and yes, many gifts.

I will never forget the overflowing joy I felt.  It was a day to remember. 

That’s often how hope works.  Even when it seems to be fading into the distance, and the things we long for do not come as expected—despite how overwhelming the desire may be—hope still has purpose. 

We should not give up hope when things fail to materialize the way we imagined.  Tomorrow is yet to come—another day in which we can continue trusting God for the answer and believing that the desires of our heart will come to pass.  God cares for us and loves us deeply.

(Hebrews 11:1), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

When we exercise hope with passionate prayer, we discover that hope in God surpasses the fear that follows doubt.

(James 5:16), “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Hope in our Heavenly Father exceeds any type of fear that doubt throws our way.  Hope is stronger than fear when we walk together with Jesus.  He is the Hope—the One who casts out all fear.

(Isaiah 41:10), “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd