I love the story of Abraham!  It so encourages me.  I think what moves me the most is the the words in our scripture today, "who against hope believed...)

Hope seems to be lacking today.  Many people intentionally resist hope because they don't want to face the pain of disappointment that comes if their hopes are dashed. Their philosophy is: "Don't get your hopes up and you'll never be disappointed."  They obviously don't know Jesus who is our blessed hope (Titus 2:13) in all situations and for all time.

People who break away from the pack and accomplish great things are those who believe in hope. That is why most of the major inventions have been discovered by Jews or Christians who trust God.  Abraham was one of those people.  He knew the power of hope and would not let it go.  

Where does hope come from?  It comes from the Words God speaks to us.  The Holy Spirit constantly ministers hope to us as we meditate on the words God has spoken to us.  As we read His Word and mediate on it hope comes alive in our hearts.  If we have no Word from God, then we have no hope.  This crazy world doesn't give out hope; it actually destroys it by rampant pessimism, skepticism and fear.  Our only source for true hope is in what God has promised us.

Make a special effort to spend time in God's Word, listen to it via church or podcast or devotionals. Let God paint a picture on the canvas of your heart of what you can be and do through His ability!

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