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Faith’s Companion: Hope.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”
Romans 5:3-5: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed…;.”
Not only are Hope and Faith companions, but Faith is the element of Hope’s fulfillment. What then is Hope? It is simply having a desire accompanied by the expectation of it being satisfied. In other words it’s like me hoping that I awaken tomorrow morning. Now ask yourself, is it possible that I will not awaken tomorrow? Of course it is, but the truth is that I do not go to sleep expecting not to awaken. Otherwise I may not go to sleep. So it is with Faith and Hope. Faith acts in total belief of getting the expected (Hoped for) result. Faith cannot exist without Hope. Think about it. The Bible teaches us that Faith is the essence of what we have Hoped for. If we have no Hope in (receiving, accomplishing, finding etc) anything, then Faith is not present. Think of some things you’ve accomplished. You first had Hope that you would or could. When you proceeded to go forward based on your belief that you could, your desire was actually fulfilled. You then felt wonderful about what was achieved. What was it that gave you this feeling? It was Hope fulfilled. ...”And hope maketh not ashamed.” Therefore to operate in Faith you must first possess Hope. Before you act ask yourself. Do I have any Hope of coming out on top in this situation? If you answer no, then for goodness sake realize that you are not acting in Faith. When Mary told the people at the wedding to do whatever Jesus told them and he then tells them to fill the pots with water, do you think that Mary fully expected the water to be turned into wine? When Peter caught the fish and looked into its mouth for money, do you think he expected any to be there? These were what some would call foolish acts. What about you Brother/Sister Dreamer? Do you have hope in whatever your challenge is? “Hope thou in GOD” and walk in Faith not Foolishness!
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