“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17
NIV
Hope is the expectation of a good or successful outcome. In Hebrews 11:1 we
understand that Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen. Without hope there is nothing for faith to give substance to. This implies that faith
needs hope to work. Hope needs faith to be fulfilled. So, they are interdependent. Your
hope should be on God and based on His faithfulness and the integrity of His word.
“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,
we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We
have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary
behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has
become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Heb.6:18-20.
Your faith will be tried or tested. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a
season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen,
ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with
joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the
salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:6-9. These trials are working for us praise,
honour and glory when the Lord Jesus shall appear. The trials also give
opportunity for the fruit of the Spirit, patience, to be fully developed in us
and for us to come to a point in our lives where we lack nothing. “My
brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this,
that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience
have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:3-4. These trials are orchestrated by the Devil and the center of the
attack is your mind which is the realm of your soul. Your hope serves as an
anchor for your soul that keeps your mind from fear and quitting on your
faith in God’s promises. Hope on the things that the trail of your faith is
producing in you will enable you to respond with joy when the trials come as
instructed in the above scriptures,
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Great faith come out of great tests. Great victories come out of great battles……Smith
Wigglesworth