Faith and hope are so intertwined that it may be difficult to separate them. It appears that one cannot operate without the other as its companion; without faith hope has no certainty, without hope faith has no object to believe for, or entity to believe in, no aim, goal, or target if you will. Romans 5:1-5, the scripture Rose’s rhyme for today is based on, shows us how these two work together through the person, and the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is the bedrock of our relationship with God through Christ, giving us access into His grace and joyful hope. Even through difficulties and trials we rejoice taking on more of His characteristics, leading to a crescendo of hope that will not leave us disappointed, because it is a sure hope, not a failed fantasy! It is a hope for the future and an anchor of the soul according to Hebrews 6:18-19; it is a purifying hope, “And everyone who has this hope, in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” 1 John 3:2-3, only reaching its climax at Christ’s return, when what is now hope becomes reality, and we see Jesus “as He is” face to face. And then look at Colossians 1:23 and 1 Peter 1:21 where faith and hope work together like hand and glove.
Faith and hope
By Rose Hill
We have a hope steadfast and sure,
One that in trouble will endure.
So during a trial in God we glory,
And in trusting Him we do not worry.
Our character He is developing right,
And we are becoming perfect in His sight.
In the heart where faith and hope abound,
Disappointment will not be found.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.