The word “Hope” will be used frequently on this page and in these blogs. Why? We want to encourage people who have experienced despair. We want you to know the truth about your circumstances. You can rise above. You can reclaim hope.
One way to reclaim hope is to be saved or reflect on your salvation. Just the thought of salvation offers hope to the believer. It also causes the non-believer to search for confidence and assurance in their eternal destiny. Do you really have the hope of salvation? Do you struggle with doubt? In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans the apostle Paul pens, in my opinion, one of the greatest chapters in all of the Bible. Paul has addressed the freedom we have from sin, and that we each have the personal indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, which identifies our spiritual adoption and confirms our eternal destiny. Then, just before he addresses God’s everlasting love and protection, he says these words. . . “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:18-25)
This is a message of hope that Paul wants every person to accept. Ministers, church leaders, Bible class teachers, faithful members of the church, new converts, life-time believers. . . anyone and everyone who will listen. . . you need to know that every Christian can experience periods of doubt, helplessness, and weakness. There are so many things that weigh us down and hinder us from knowing the full assurance of the hope of salvation.
Satan has a way of convincing us that we are not good enough, we are too sinful, or that God has forgotten us. He fills our minds with so many questions that our heart looks away from God and we can easily lose our focus. We have to remember that there is a God. . . a Creator that since the beginning of time has been working a plan to save me from my sins. That amazing God has offered His one and only Son in my place as a substitute so that I might not have to die for my many sins. He has established His church for my protection, He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me, and He has preserved His Holy word to be my light.
I know I am going to heaven and I know that those who have been immersed into the precious blood of Jesus and are daily living as a sacrificial servant will join me there one day with the saints of old for a reunion of God’s family! Do you have that hope of salvation? It’s a hope only God can provide!
We believe that these blogs can encourage you to become a more faithful servant of God. Or, if you are not a child of God, you will seek Him. Our goal is also to encourage you to talk to others about the importance of seeking hope in their own lives. The world needs hope. Let's seek and save the lost. There is always hope.
Love,
Misty & Ray Reynolds
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Listen to the Reclaiming Hope podcast with Misty & Ray!
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