Fostering Hope

Where does hope come from?

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. - Romans 8:24-26

I could not imagine living without hope.

In today's reading we have an interesting juxtaposition of hope and prayer.  When we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it in patience.  But what if we have no patience?

That's where prayer comes in. In our weakness, the Spirit helps us communicate with God.

I used to think that hope springs form optimism.  Being an optimist, I find I am filled with hope for the future, and though I am patient, I seek ways to speed the process along, doing all I can to bring about the positive outcome I envision.

But I often encounter people who have trouble seeing that their world can become any brighter.  They lack the enthusiasm and optimism I have, and I wonder why.

If the Spirit that dwells in all of us can propel us forward through the darkness into the light, why do some struggle more than others and fail to find themselves in a better place?

The answer may be elusive because the question may be wrong.  Perhaps the right question is what can I do to help those who lack hope find strength in the Spirit within?

I believe God sent His Spirit to be with us, not to allow us to be strengthened individually, but to enable us to come together collectively to grow as one.

Paul reminds us that we are all members of one body and each of us has a different strength or talent.  It is those gifts that need to connect together to work fully as one.

So, if I encounter someone who lacks hope, it makes sense that I should do all in my power to help that person find it.

We are all instruments of grace, and so the fears and troubles of one are to be shared by all.

It is great that I have found my peace, that I am comfortable in my faith, that I am positive and patient, overflowing with hope.  But shouldn't that which I have in abundance be shared?

When Jesus tells us that our cup overflows, he is telling us to give from our abundance to those who have nothing.  For what I do for them, I do for Him.

So it should be with hope, I think.  If I have it, come and let me share it with you.

And together we will drink from the cup and be glad.

More to come...