Faith that Produces ... Hope

Looking at scripture, Hebrews 11:1 says, “now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In our previous blog, Faith that Produces … Series, we detailed the meaning and power of faith, as it pertains to Hebrews 11:1. Today, we’re going to highlight hope as it connects to your faith.
I believe it's safe to say that at some point or another – if not every day – you've had your hope in something or someone. This longing, this hope is a natural element that everyone experience. ​

For instances, a child or newborn baby longs for his mother, his comforter with the hope and expectation of receiving his heart desires. Women hope to one day get swept off their feet and meet the man of their dreams. Hope. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that event{s} will turn out for the best. This hope of ours is an inherent trait. It was never God's intentions that our hope becomes distorted. Though at some point in all our lives, we've allowed visible circumstances to shape and change the trajectory of our God-given feelings. Just like the previous blogs on faith, my job is to illuminate your eyes to hope in such a way that the odds of you losing hope in unseen desires are slim to none.  

What happened to your hope?
So, as you know my job is to restore your faith-based hope. To get started, I want you to think back to the very first time your hope was betrayed. Perhaps it was being lied to over and, over again. What was considered a slap on the wrist and a viable excuse now turned into plenty of heartaches and let downs. Therefore, your best recourse was to protect your heart. You've lost hope and vowed never to let anyone ‘play you like a fool' again.

Or, perhaps like me, you've hope to one day turn your story of a fatherless daughter around to the point that you imagine what life would be like ‘if only daddy were around.' As a result, your hope to marry and love is diminishing because ‘dad' was not around, you're unsure if you're worthy enough. Whatever your story may be, I want you to know that You’re More Than Enough! However, I do know that for you to fully grasp that concept, you must first get down to the root of your faith.
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Where is the root of your faith?
Our loss of hope in some cases is a result of failed experiences or letdowns. Somehow, we've allowed others as well as what we see in front of our eyes to dictate the future God has for us. This is dangerous. If you're not careful, your entire life will circumference the thoughts, opinions, and motives of others, including hap-chance circumstances. Due to chance, your faith is now in what you see. The root of this is wanting to feel loved, desired, or the unction to please everyone. At this pace, your faith-based hope is always going to be ruled by the feelings you received from similar or previous circumstances. Therefore, it's important to examine your heart, motives, and emotions when events and desires are not in your favor.

​Reroute and re-root
In Romans, the Word of God tells that ‘if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.'  This means that your desires, your will, your hope belongs to the Lord. As a result, it should be rooted in the Lord. Because it's easy to say that your hearts desires are rooted in God, or you desire to do the Lords will, I want to encourage. I want to ensure that before you finish reading this blog, you're equipped with the tools that are necessary to ensure your faith-based hope is instilled in Christ and Christ alone

For starters, with everything you do, pray and wait for confirmation from the Lord. When you pray and wait, you are aligning your heart with the will of God – so your hope is in His pleasures. This means you're ok with the outcome of whatever situation because you have peace knowing it's God's will.

Next, detach your feelings from the outcome and reactions of others. When you're Spirit led not everyone will understand your motives, nor will all pieces seem to fit the puzzle. Therefore, it's crucial that you've prayed and waited on the Lord. The things of God are not always understood to the naked eye. So, others may interject.  However, your time with Christ would have prepared you, causing your hope to be firmly planted in Him knowing that you are walking in His will and that He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Lastly, but not ultimately, walk in the Spirit of Expectancy. I wrote a blog about this which you can read HERE. When you walk in the Spirit of expectancy, regardless of circumstances, you're expecting God to do great things. This means that your hope, your faith, and your trust is in the Spirit and move of God. It takes time to restore your hope back to the things of God. However, as you meditate on scriptures that show evidence of His love and His ultimate desire for you, it will improve.

Well, my love, that's all for now, stay tuned for our next blog as we talk about Faith as it pertains to the peace of God!
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Prayer
Heavenly Father, In Jesus name. Lord, I pray that you restore your child's God-given Hope. Allow them to know that it's Your desire that they remain hopeful and full of life and faith. Lord, I pray that you protect their heart, so they won't attempt to with walls of steel. Lord by faith we pray in your Son's name, Amen.
 
Until next time,
Stay Blessed, Stress Less, Read your Bible
 
--
Armani W.
I’m your sister in Christ, walking with you to empower and impart! Take care!
 
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