There Is Always Hope

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4

The kingdom of God is full of paradoxes: we receive by giving, we live by dying, we receive honor by dishonor, and more. One of those paradoxes is that we gain hope by suffering, which seems odd. Normally, we seem most hopeful when things are going well, and we lose hope when we suffer. But, not surprisingly, the Bible says the opposite.

Paul explains how suffering leads to hope in Romans 5:3-4. Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Later, in Romans 8:24-25, he clarifies what hope is. Hope is what carries us through when we can’t see the outcome. It’s what allows us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Paul writes, “For why does one still hope for what he sees?” (Romans 8:24) If we can see the outcome of our trials then we have no need to hope. But when we cannot see the outcome, our hope carries us through—if we persevere and develop the character of Christ.

Regardless of your situation today, there is hope because there is God. Cling to Him through the promises of His Word. Hope never disappoints (Romans 5:5).

True faith is ever connected with hope.
John Calvin