You Have a New Hope
Once, during a soccer match, as the two teams warmed up it was easy to see which team was favored to win. The favored team warmed up with confidence and with the attitude that they expected to win. They had the world's best player on their team which gave them even more hope that victory was assured. The opposing team warmed up with their heads down. You could see by the way they acted that they had no hope whatsoever of winning. It seemed they were defeated before the match even started.
As a new disciple of Jesus Christ, you will face many trials and tribulations when you travel life's journey. You will be tempted to be discouraged and depressed. You might even wonder if God is listening to your prayers. I want to remind you that you do not have to face life's issues by wondering if you will be able to stand firm and win the victory. Always remember that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, He died for the sins of humanity, He rose again on the third day, and by doing so He conquered sin and death! He won the victory! As His disciple, you can walk in confidence because His victory is your victory. So, no matter how strong the storms of life may be, you can live with you head-up in vibrant hope and the expectation that God's Will will be done. He will bring the victory!
In the New Testament book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls us to wear the 'helmet of salvation.' This means that we guard our minds by looking at the Answer, Jesus Christ, instead of the problem. This empowers us to walk in confidence in the Lord. Our hope is in the Lord!
So, when you face those moments of doubt, remember to look to Jesus and remember He has already won the victory. As you do, you will find encouragement and strength in the Lord. The prophet Isaiah wrote these words almost 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ:
'Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God'? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' (Isaiah 40:27-31).
So, how can we keep a right attitude when we deal with Life's issues? Fix your eyes on Jesus. Hope will then grow stronger in your heart. Walk in confidence knowing that He is on your side. If God is for you, who can stand against you? (Romans 8:31) If you hold on in Christ, God will bring the victory!
