Do you sometimes leave worship services with more questions than when you entered? I know I do. Since this past Sunday, I’ve wrestled with Pastor Doug’s sermon. His message spoke of living hope which is not a new term for me. According to the Bible, Jesus is our living hope. However, our guest minister didn’t use the word living as an adjective but as an action verb which left me pondering. What does this way of living hope look like and am I anywhere close to achieving it?
The first characteristics of living hope that come to mind are descriptions of what it’s not. Living hope doesn’t mean problems are negated or ignored. It’s not a pie-in-the-sky, Pollyanna expression of wellbeing. If a person is living hope, they move forward through their fears and worries even though darkness hides their next step. They trust Jesus’ promises that He will walk with them through every trial on their journey to a better life awaiting them in heaven.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
Following this passage in the book of Hebrews is a long litany of saints who faithfully endured hardships even though they had not yet received God’s promises. They looked forward in hope and functioned as if they already lived in that heavenly kingdom.
Living hope is faith in action.
It’s not simply a mission statement of beliefs or good intentions but of concrete behaviors based on confidence in God’s trustworthiness. Abraham exhibited living hope when he was willing to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, but God stayed his hand. When the three friends of Daniel stepped into the fiery furnace, they boldly asserted that God could save them. But even if He didn’t, they wouldn’t worship the golden image of the king. History tells us that every apostle but one died as a martyr, openly professing their faith in Jesus unto death.
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
Hebrews 11:13 NIV
Words express intentions but actions prove faith’s validity.
It is only by your hand that the mind’s choices bear fruit. Intentions are like physical beauty—they mean nothing. At some point, a person must actually do something. One’s beliefs must become works. By your hand, you establish evidence for others in the truth of what you believe.
The Lost Choice by Andy Andrews, author and speaker.
Every eloquent speech or written word is useless if not followed by convincing behavior. No one is persuaded by a person who’s unable to follow his own advice. In the words of James, Jesus’ half-brother, “Faith without works is dead.” Fake. Bogus. And sometimes even deceptive. Want to influence others? Live out your faith as if your life depended on it–like the great cloud of witnesses who have gone on before us.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
By keeping my focus on Jesus, I’m running the race set before me. Through His strength, I’m striving to live out the hope he’s placed in my heart in both words and actions. Is my effort perfect? Far from it. More times than I can count, I’ve stumbled and fallen. But Jesus lifts me to my feet and sets me on the road again–onward and upward until I reach His heavenly throne.
Living hope challenges our perseverance yet affirms our faith. The proof of our endeavors lies in the quality of fruit produced along the way.
Loved your inspiring message, Suzanne. Thank you. Like you, I strive to do my best to put faith into action, but I sometimes stumble and fall, too. Thank you for encouraging us to keep trying.
I love this presentation of a wonderful message on living hope. “Living hope” is a term that can be nebulous, but your provide helpful concrete information!
Thank you!