"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV).
"I hope so." I said.
I often respond that way when I wish something would happen, but actually have very little confidence that it will. In these instances I'm not really hoping, I'm really just wishing. But hope is more than a wish.
The real meaning of hope is much stronger than the way we often use it. The dictionary defines hope as follows:
Hope, noun \hōp\ - 1. archaic : trust, reliance; 2. a: desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment <came in hopes of seeing you>; also : expectation of fulfillment or success <no hope of a cure>; b: someone or something on which hopes are centered <our only hope for victory>; c: something hoped for.
Notice the three ways hope is manifest: 1) as the expectation itself, 2) as the basis on which it is centered, as in something or someone, 3) as its object.
When the apostle Peter wrote about the "living hope" we have in Christ. All three of the implied meanings of hope are in view. First, our hope is "living" and not dead. It is filled with faith and belief. Second, the basis of our hope is in Christ and in His resurrection. Finally, our hope is focused on the future fulfillment of being co-heirs with Christ. Learning to really place all our hope in Christ is the key to having a living hope.
There's one area that our hopes are finally being fulfilled. After 19 years of existing as a church that met in rental facilities, we're finally moving into a home of our own. I have to admit that when people have asked whether we would ever see this day, I have usually responded, "I hope so."
Now, it's more than a wish. Praise the Lord! We're cutting the ribbon this Saturday at 10:00 A.M. and then, our first worship services will be on this Sunday, May 1, 2011!
You're spot on about hope. It's more than just a wish. Congrats on moving into the new place!
Posted by: Matt | April 27, 2011 at 03:43 PM
I've never really thought about the difference between "hope" and "wish". But I enjoyed your way of seperating the two. I believe we all need to boost our hopes up and quit wishin'! We have "hoped" for a church building for so long that this has become our testimony to others. Keep the hope and faith!
Can't wait for the ribbon cutting!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Posted by: Erin Mitchell | April 27, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Praise the LORD!
You've had a nineteen year period to teach the membership that the church is the people, not the building we gather in -- BEFORE you were blessed to have a building.
What an awesome headstart!
Posted by: Barry Combs | April 28, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'.... Remember that old Dusty Springfield hit? I'm grateful to God for allowing your hope to become your wish. Many years of peace to you Pastor. Don't stop wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin' for "you will be His!"
Posted by: Mike Wheeler | April 28, 2011 at 10:26 PM