First Baptist Church St. Simons Island

Our Hope Does Not Disappoint

Our Hope Does Not Disappoint

Isaiah 64:4-8
Hebrews 11:1

We say, “I hope” a lot, especially around the holidays. I hope all the family can get together this year. I hope I don’t overcook the turkey. I hope I can get everything done on my ‘To Do’ list. I hope I get that special gift I have been hinting about.

What we really mean is, “I wish.” ‘I wish’ is based on our desires, the ingenuity of ourselves or others motivated towards pleasing us, and maybe some luck or Jolly St. Nick involvement.

Hebrews 11:1 teaches us that real hope is brought about by faith, and FAITH is only as potent as the object of our faith. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1).

Being certain of God is the hope that sustains us in all times.

Five Christmases ago, I was facing the first of my major cancer surgeries, and, quite frankly, hoping to make it until the next Christmas season. I hoped to watch my little granddaughter, aged 1 ½ years, open gifts and hear the Baby Jesus story again and again. I was hoping in the ONE who can provide hope.

I am still asking God for more Christmases, and I am so very thankful that I am approaching this advent season with FIVE beautiful grandchildren. I am thankful for the God of whom Isaiah spoke: “From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:4).

We hope in a God who loves us enough to send a savior, to meet us with grace at even the hardest places in our lives. He did it out of LOVE. The God of eternity entered in. He always does.

My hope goes beyond Christmas seasons to the ORIGIN of Christmas: The Christ child volunteered to go to the cross for you and me. Let us live our days in a way that says to Him, “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8).