Why not have hope?

March 12, 2004

Personal Narrations

Joel Akin

Calgary, Alberta

Over the years Christians have belittled hope. Our phrase "I hope so" has become totally negative in context but when I say it I mean that I have hope. Yet why do some Christians rebuke you for that phrase? I think part of it has to do with this over emphasis on faith. Most don't understand faith. I have faith and I am sure of that faith but I also realize how essential hope is. If you study the scripture carefully there are a number of scriptures which talk about those who died in faith not having received their promises. I don't believe that means they died just as faithful Christians but as people who had faith in something but never received it here on earth. Paul understood hope and the essentialness of it. Yes love is important also but hope is so important for those who cannot see a way out. So many think faith is a key that forces God to answer their prayer when Gods will and timing always supersede, at least to my knowledge. If someone can die with promises not yet received but they had faith then it can only mean Gods will and timing were more important. Its something most faith preachers don't emphasize. None of us likes to think about it.

At the same time faith is essential because it helps us grow spiritually and with God. Yet while we wait it is then that we need hope. If faith is the hands or key then hope is the emotion that comforts us. Faith, after all, is not based on emotions. Faith is believing even when we don't feel like it or see any way out. Hope is the Holy Spirit comforting us in our sorrow and telling us its going to be okay.