Hope is the power to change circumstances.
Hope, the power to change circumstances.
In today’s episode, Scot and Terry talk candidly about the physical, psychological and financial toll the Coronavirus is having on people globally. Many are fearful, anxious about the future, and imagining the worst. Life may be on hold, but there is still hope.
Scot opens up episode #2 with his own personal journey through colon cancer. The initial shock and uncertain diagnosis, the painful surgery, the miserable chemotherapy…through it all, Scot actively chose to put his hope in God alone. He frequently reminded himself that a parked car is impossible to turn. To steer a vehicle, it must be in motion. Hope is active, and hope is what kept Scot moving forward toward full healing.
In the book of John, a man by the name of Andrew meets Jesus. Andrew has a brother named Simon. When Simon meets Jesus the Bible says, “Jesus looked at him.” Without words, only a look, Jesus sees into the heart of Simon and declares these hope-filled words: “You are Simon the son of Jonas, but you shall be called Peter or Cephas the rock.” Jesus saw past Simon’s present circumstances into his future. Jesus frequently spoke hope to his listeners, and his words haven’t changed. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace (hope). In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The Bible is not a book about heroes or super spiritual people who never failed and who always did the right thing. The truth is, it featured an all too human cast of failures. The same is true of Jesus followers today. We are people who allow doubt, fear, and allow circumstances color us. God, however, is greater than our circumstances and His is work in us in not yet complete. Like Simon Peter he says to each of us, “You are…BUT you will be.”
One of the beautiful things about hope is when we grasp it, hope generates energy and enthusiasm. Hope convinces our doubting minds we have power to change circumstances. It inspires creativity, innovation, and determination to overcome. And, hope gives us a vision of the future, something to strive towards. When we’re sick, hope helps us to see our healing. When we lose a job, hope shows us God’s provision and purpose. Hope is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity.
In conclusion, Terry and Scot encourage listeners to meditate on these scriptures to build hope, especially in troubling times.
1st Thessalonians 5:8, “But let us who are up the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”
1st Corinthians 13:13, “Now abide faith, hope, love these three, but the greatest of these is love. Here’s a beautiful verse.”
Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good. To those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.”
God bless you!