40 Day Journey - Day 23

April 3
Fast Hopelessness  

Romans 5:1-5 (Part Two)
Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

        As a child of God we have a hope that cannot be removed even in the most adverse circumstances. Every situation that Paul places under the category of sufferings, create growth and strength in the life of the believer.
        The tough times produce perseverance, character and hope. Perseverance comes from our determination that we WILL make it because we can do all things through Christ. Character comes from growth and maturity, it is that calmness during the storms and the ability to make wise choices when stress seems to be causing others to bend. Hope is the faith that all things work for my good. This is a hope that sees and knows that no matter how dark the clouds or how loud the storm is, the SON is still shinning and he will break out with light and warmth and drive the storm away. Our assurance of this hope is not a million miles away only to be found in the heavens, it is not across the vast sea waiting upon another continent. The hope we have has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given us.
        Every covenant is sealed by a sign. Abraham's covenant was sealed with a sacrifice of five animals and a smoking fire pot with a flaming torch going between the pieces (Genesis 15) Our covenant is sealed by the blood of Jesus and witnessed through the presence of the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
        So don't let anything try to remove your hope because nothing can separate us from the love of our Heavenly Father, for like Abraham of old, our covenant has been sealed!!!

Hebrews 10:22,23
22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Fast hopelessness by not allowing fear or worry to side line your spiritual confidence and spend as much time as you can dwelling on who you are in Jesus Christ, knowing the one who promised you life, is faithful.