Hope is a powerful experience. When we have hope in Jesus, we can see the light at the end of a dark tunnel in life. When we have hope in Jesus we can move forward in the direst of circumstances. When we have hope in Jesus we can live life in light of eternity. Hope in Jesus as my Savior changes everything in my life.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the persecuted church in Thessalonica. Even in the midst of suffering, they have hope. 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. [1] 1 Thess. 1:3.
What did their hope enable them to do? It enabled them to endure persecution. The church in Thessalonica was enduring persecution because of their faith in Jesus as their Savior. Not only did they endure, but their endurance inspired others to remain faithful to Jesus.
Throughout the centuries believers in Jesus have been able to endure great hardships and persecutions because Jesus lived in their hearts. Given a choice between denying Jesus and being executed, believers throughout the New Testament era have chosen Jesus.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”[2]
How has having hope in Jesus as your Savior changed your life?
If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, don’t wait another moment to ask Him into your heart. Confess your sins to Jesus, ask for His forgiveness, and then ask Jesus to come into your heart as your Savior. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Cor. 6:2, For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” [3]
May the hope that you have in Jesus inspire you along your spiritual journey to be faithful. We read these words in Revelation 2:10 written by the Apostle John. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. [4]
Praise the Lord for the hope we have in Jesus.
To hear more about Paul’s second mission trip, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/the-power-and-hope-of-gods-word
[1, 2, 3, 4] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (1 Th 1:2–3, Matthew 10:28, 2 Cor. 6:2, Rev. 2:10). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.