Faith That Moves Mountain's Pt 6 - Day 2

Day 2: Not Wishful Thinking

Devotional

We use the word hope pretty loosely. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. I hope I get that promotion. I hope everything works out. What we usually mean is, I'd like that to happen, but I'm not sure it will. That's how the world understands hope: a desire mixed with uncertainty. It's buying a lottery ticket at 1 in 600 million. You're hoping, but you're not expecting.

Sometimes we even treat prayer like a roulette wheel. Maybe today is my lucky day. Maybe I'll catch God in a good mood.

Biblical hope is something different. The Greek word translated hope in the New Testament carries the idea of expectation, anticipation, and confidence concerning the future. When hope is directed toward God and grounded in His promises, it becomes confident expectation.

Wishful thinking says, wouldn't it be wonderful if something good happened? Biblical hope says, I have a reason to expect God's goodness, because I know the God I'm trusting. One rests on a desire. The other rests on a relationship with Someone who has proven Himself faithful.

And notice what Paul calls Him: the God of hope. You don't have to manufacture hope or muster it up. He puts it in you, and the Holy Spirit makes it overflow. Your part is to believe it and release it.

Bible Verse

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 (New King James Version (NKJV))

Reflection Question

Do your prayers sound more like wishful thinking or like confident expectation? What would change if you prayed expecting God to keep His Word?

Quote

"Biblical hope says, I have a reason to believe God's goodness because I know the God I'm trusting." - Pastor John Pool

Prayer

God of hope, fill me with joy and peace in believing. I don't want to treat You like a roulette wheel. Help me expect Your goodness because I know who You are. Amen.