June 19, 2015: SOAP #2024

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation: Hope and faith are related, sometimes like identical twins. Faith is being certain of something specific; hope is the general confidence that everything will work out for good. Romans 8:28 is a great explanation of hope: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Application: To me, faith is the certainty of my salvation and God’s word spoken to my heart by the Holy Spirit. Hope is the general attitude that things are going to work out for my good and His glory. I may not know the specifics, but how can they not work out for good when Jesus, by His Holy Spirit is living in me! It is illogical to think anything different. When Jesus is my LORD, Jesus is my HOPE.

As Lauryn Hill wrote: “Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home? When JESUS is my portion, a constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow. And I know he watches me…”

Prayer: Jesus, as the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to Timothy, you are my hope! You not only watch over me; by your Holy Spirit, you live inside me! Amen