This blog is inspired by Col Stringers’ recent Faith Legacy Believers Church message.
In times of despair, it’s crucial to remember that our hope is anchored in God’s steadfast love. Hebrews 6:19 (NKJV) tells us, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.” This anchor keeps us grounded, preventing us from being swept away by life’s storms.
Col mentioned a story about him and Jan having a close family member battling bone cancer and decided to have a wake while still alive rather than a funeral after passing. Despite her illness, her joy and faith were profoundly uplifting. He said she ministered more to both of them than they did to her, demonstrating the grace and hope found in Christ.
Throne of Grace for you to access
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) encourages us, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This verse reminds us that God’s throne is one of grace, not judgment, where we can find the mercy and help we need.
Many people, even within the church, struggle to grasp the depth of God’s love for them. This love is not just a concept but a reality. God knows every detail about us, even the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7). This intimate knowledge is a testament to His care and concern for us.
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
A tragic example of lost hope is the story of a young man who recently took his own life. Suicide rates are alarmingly high, with someone taking their own life every 1.6 seconds. For every suicide, 25 more attempt it, and countless others contemplate it. This epidemic of hopelessness underscores the critical need for hope in our lives.
In contrast, I know an elderly speaker, leader, and businessperson who, despite facing multiple health issues and financial losses, continues to live each day with hope and purpose. His resilience is rooted in the hope he finds in God.
Hope that brings joy
Romans 15:13 (NKJV) says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Our God is a God of hope, capable of filling us with joy and peace, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Consider Joseph, who, despite being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, remained hopeful. He eventually rose to great authority in Egypt, saving many lives. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) recounts Joseph’s words to his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”
“But God” moments
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s intervention at just the right moment—whether it was Gideon’s 300 men against a vast army, the Israelites at the Red Sea, or Daniel in the lion’s den. In each situation, “But God” made all the difference.
Hope is not just a nice sentiment but a powerful force sustaining us. Without hope, faith cannot flourish. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hope anchors our souls in the storms of life, providing stability and direction.
A Hope that leads to trust
The story of the baby eagle beautifully illustrates this. The mother eagle pushes her baby out of the nest, seemingly to its doom, but swoops to catch it just before it hits the ground. This teaches the baby to trust and hope that it will be saved.
Similarly, we must trust that God will intervene in our lives. Whether facing personal challenges or witnessing the hopelessness around us, we must remember that God is our anchor and hope, providing grace and mercy in our time of need.
Encourage yourself when no one else does!
One of the most encouraging examples of hope is found in the story of David at Ziklag. After returning from battle, David and his men discovered that their city had been burned and their families were taken captive. The men were devastated and spoke of stoning David. But David, in his despair, “encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). He sought God’s guidance, pursued the enemy with renewed strength and hope, and recovered all that was lost. This story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find hope and strength in God.
Hope is not just a nice sentiment but a powerful force sustaining us. Without hope, faith cannot flourish. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hope anchors our souls in the storms of life, providing stability and direction.
Conclusion
We must remember that God is our anchor and hope, providing grace and mercy in our time of need. So, what should we do in the face of despair? Keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Trust that God’s hand of grace will reach down to lift you, providing the strength and hope to continue. Remember, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).
Let me share a fascinating experiment that illustrates the power of hope. Researchers wanted to understand how long a rat could swim before drowning. They found that a rat could swim for about 20 minutes before giving up. However, when they rescued the rat just before it flooded, dried it off, and gave it a brief rest, the rat could then swim for 24 hours when put back in the water.
Knowing that a rescue was possible, this simple hope transformed the rat’s endurance. You are a RAT; keep swimming? What do you mean by a RAT? R.A.T. – Resilient, Anchored, Trusting.
Resilient: A believer who remains firm and steadfast in their faith, even in the face of trials and challenges.
Anchored: Firmly grounded in the hope and promises of God, unshaken by the storms of life.
Trusting: Fully relying on God’s love, guidance, and provision, knowing He cares deeply for them.
If you’re struggling today, know that you are not alone. God’s love is personal and profound. He is the God of hope, and His grace is sufficient for you. Whether it’s family issues, health problems, or any other challenge, come boldly to the throne of grace and receive the hope and help you need. Just keep swimming, and trust that God’s hand of grace will lift you when you need it most.
This blog was inspired by Rev Col Stringer’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 2nd of June, 2024. You can watch the full message below.