“Through God we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:2-5
Valentine’s Day is the third largest celebration outside of Christmas and Easter. All across these United States — and in other places around the world — candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones on this special day. These traditions find meaning and history among so many people — as they have a way of bringing smiles to so many faces as they rejoice in hope.
Hope is such a tiny word — with such a big responsibility. It is something we literally can’t live without. What the world needs these days — is more hope!
What does it mean when one has hope?
It is a belief in a positive outcome, when related to circumstances or events. Hope gives the feeling in a situation that what we want, it can be had.
Hope is knowing that events will turn out for our good, where others meant it for our bad. Many of us know what it means to hope for something, and the devastation that comes when it seems that there is no hope.
As Christians, we are to rejoice in hope, as we carry it to our communities that are torn apart by hatred, fear and violence. When we rejoice in hope, a spirit of love springs forth from our hearts for other to see. This is God’s unconditional love that stems from our strong faith.
I am not sure what you are going through or what your circumstances might be. But when we put our faith in God, we can rejoice in hope. God wants to raise us up from difficult circumstances or events in our life. So be encouraged as you rejoice in hope, and put your trust in God.
The Scripture tells us to rejoice! Not only to rejoice in the hope of God’s glory, but also in our sufferings. For we know that in our suffering, our rejoicing produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces more hope. It is a hope that does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. So let’s start making this world a better place by — rejoicing in hope!
Rev. Marion J. Miller is the Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She may also be contacted at 812-283-3747 or via email at wesley1201@sbcglobal.net.
