The Power Of Hope

By Dr. Ephraim John Udofia

Hope is not based on physical evidences, because if we have seen, touched or read about it then there are no grounds for hope. It's based on the unseen yet strong enough to provoke action with patience of actualization. The scripture says, "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it" (Romans 8:25, KJV). Hope gives the power to endure situations that are far removed from reality.

What is hope? You may ask. I believe it's that deep desire, an anticipation and expectation that something will come to pass. Some of us have stronger hope than others, which makes the difference between those who wait patiently and those who give up easily.

Hope works effectively in concert with love and faith, giving you a stronger platform to face life's uncertainties with an uplifting spirit. Despair is a state of emptiness whereby a person has lost hope in the situation. Hope's power keeps dreams alive and achievable. We read this powerful statement about hope in the scriptures, "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled, for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" (Hebrew 6:18-19, KJV).

I will say it this way that, when you're out of hope, you're out of gas. This means things will come to a standstill in your life. The hope that doesn't run out of gas is that which is built upon something that is sure. Let me tell you with all certainty from experience, that Jesus Christ is that hope which is solid and sure; on him you can stand secured.

The energy, the desire and determination to forge ahead in life is built upon the hope that you have for the future. In real sense, it's the spark for your future pursuits.

What kept Abraham hopeful was the greatness of the future outcome which outweighed the physical evidence of Sarah's barrenness. Sarah was truly old, there was no denial about this, all signs and marks of old age was clearly seen on her. The evidence brought hopelessness but against this Abraham summoned up courage through the power of hope. See Romans 4:18.

You must let your future expectation outweigh the present condition, it's here and then that your hope will not burn out. The hope that we have in Christ death, burial and resurrection is what assures us of our eternal life in heaven. You cannot go on without any hope, that's a terrible place to be.

That power of hope is the saving element in our lives. It inspires righteous living, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (I John 3:3, KJV). Through the windows of faith, hope brings us assurance of immortality.

Through great trials of afflictions, hope has been that electrifying energy in many who would have given up and call in a quit in life. The Bible says that our calling is predicated upon a lively hope on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the death. Hold to the level of hope and be ready to turn it on when life becomes burdensome and over bearing. Keep that hope alive by prayer, meditation on God's work, thanksgiving and worship.

Dr. Ephraim John Udofia is the founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Apostolic Ministries. International Mission-intensive ministry, both in foreign and home missions with currently over six churches in three countries. Dr. Udofia is the author of over seven life-changing books. He's passionately involved in church planting, crusades, conferences and ministers' training since the seventies. Dr. Udofia holds a Bsc. in Management, minor in accounting, an MBA, and Doctorate in Ministry (Dmin) with major in Missions. He is a former Ceo of Precious Jewels Inc. for 19 years. Also a former banker and security representative holding both State and Federal licences. A financial counselor, motivational speaker, mentor, marriage counsellor and an outstanding dedicated family man. He is happily married with five grown children.
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