Young Adults' Group

Hope Does Not Disappoint

by Pastor Mark
October 15, 2020

Faith and hope

Through faith in Christ, we are given grace and salvation. Apart from salvation, our faith is also most crucial in producing in us the hope that we need as we go through the difficulties of life. The Apostle Paul wrote to the brethren in Rome that there will be tribulations in life. But trials are necessary for us to grow our faith and produce hope in us. These are some virtues of life that we should learn to cultivate.

Virtues of life in our tribulations

“knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom 5:3,4)

1. Perseverance

It is through the tribulations of life that we can cultivate perseverance. Part of understanding perseverance is patience. I appreciate how Pastor Charles differentiated patience and perseverance in Sunday’s Morning Worship message. Patience has to do with the “here and now”. It is how we face up to tribulation currently. Perseverance has to do with the “long view”. It is that which causes us to last out and to continue no matter how challenging our tribulations are. Our perseverance would emerge stronger and outlast the difficulties of life.

2. Character

It is through perseverance over time that we develop character. Character describes what we are deep within. It is not something that only lasts for a moment. It is who we are when we have been carefully examined through the tests of life. Preserving through tribulations, we would show ourselves to be of proven character. Our character would be of real worth.

3. Hope

Through having faith, perseverance and character, hope is produced. This hope is not wishful thinking or a weak kind of hope. It is a hope that is steadfast and strong. This hope is of the highest quality that is supported by faith, perseverance and character. With this hope, we can cope with all the adverse challenges of life.

The kind of hope that does not disappoint

“Now hope does not disappoint,” (Rom 5:5)

Our hope in God is something that we can rely on. We would not in any way be disappointed or be ashamed by this hope. Our hope would never be in vain. It would always be proven to be true. Let us hold fast to our faith in God, knowing that our hope would never cause us to be disappointed.

The strength of our hope

“because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom 5:5)

How can our hope be strengthened further? It is through the love of God. The gift of God’s love is so great and amazing. It has been poured out into our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit. This love of God will strengthen our hope so much more that it will never disappoint. Let us be challenged to experience the deep love of God in a real and personal way. I am always deeply moved by the love of God that has been poured into my life over the years that continues to strengthen my hope. Let us be challenged to continue to grow our faith and hope as we go through the difficulties of life.

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