Hope is not a Wish

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

To live by faith, walk by faith, and do God’s will by faith, you must begin with hope. Therefore, it’s essential to understand what hope is and what it is not. Many people confuse the word “hope” with “wish.” We don’t “wish” that God would meet our needs. We have concrete hope that He will because His Word says so. This hope gives substance to faith, and then every need is met. While the world can offer “good thoughts” and “wishes,” God’s Word provides Bible hope, which is a confident expectation of something positive. It’s not a dream or a wish; it’s a certainty that something in the future will improve because of God’s promises. You may not understand exactly how, when, or where, but you know that if God promised something, it will come to pass. That kind of hope is the foundation of faith.

When times get tough, your words are crucial because they can either bring despair or hope. Speaking and listening to God’s Word will nurture hope in your heart. So, turn off social media, pick up your Bible—whether digital or paper—and engage with it. 

Satan is ready, willing, and able to show you plenty of bad news. If that is all you consume, you will have no hope on which to base your faith. However, reading God’s Word regularly will cause hope to spring eternal. When you’re facing challenges that seem overwhelming, don’t give up or start complaining about the situation. Instead, pick up your Bible and fill your heart with hope.

Practical Application

Bible hope is more than a “wish upon a star.” It is a firm expectation that God will handle your situation in one way or another. Once your hope is strong, walking by faith becomes easier!

2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:7