Shepastor: “Hope, Faith and Something…”

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11: 1 NIV

Each of my three children provides numerous illustrations for sermons during our conversations. The other day I was reminded of that fact! While eating dinner at a restaurant, we met a waitress named “Hope.” As my fifteen year old son observed her name, he asked me, “What is the difference between faith and hope?” I told him that hope and faith are closely related. “Hope” looks forward with a desire for “something” to happen. Faith declares, “I believe that something will happen.” The concept of “something” is loaded. While our desire for a particular something to happen may keep us with tip-toe anticipation, our belief that something will happen goes beyond hope to a depth level trust.

Faith empowers us to exchange our something with God’s something. When what we hoped for or anticipated does not come to pass, faith sustains our belief that God’s something will actually fulfill our desires. While hope is critical to our survival, faith is essential to helping us navigate, interpret and ultimately embrace all of the “somethings” that will happen in our lives.

Continue to trust that God’s “something” will always be immeasurably more than the something that you were looking for and for God reasons, you did not receive.

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If you have not already done so, take a moment to register for the “Empowering and Encouraging Women in Ministry” conference today! Visit www.wtimofgreatercleveland.org and click on “donate n register” to download the registration brochure today.

Until next Wednesday, In Faith, Hope and Perseverance, Pastor Chris