As humans, it is not natural for us to hope against hope.
And yet that is exactly what God asks for us.
Romans 4:18: “He believed, hoping against hope . . .”
The object of our hope: God’s promises. God promises that Jesus will one day return. He promises that all oppression will cease and justice will be served. He promises that wrong will be righted. He promises that you and I will never cry again.
“He became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be.” (Romans 4:18)
The obstacles to our hope: Impossibilities and practicalities. Abraham was promised a son . . . but he was super old. And even beyond that, his wife was well past childbearing years. We all have our impracticalities and impossibilities.
“He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body to be already dead…and also the deadness of Sarah’s womb.” (Romans 4:19)
The lesson in our hope: The impossibilities and impracticalities only serve as opportunities for our faith to grow and God’s glory to truly shine.
“He did not wave in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God because he was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do.” (Romans 4:20)
The reward in our hope: The trying of our faith solidifies, shapes, and grows our faith into something even more beautiful. Every passed opportunity to waver makes an unwavering faith. Every conquered temptation to fade makes an unfading faith.
“Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:23)
So, hope against hope. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
