1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Some of you who are reading the Daily-E-Votional for today feel that you are at the end of your rope. The pressures of life have been crushing in on you from all directions and, one after another, your safe havens have disappeared. You may even feel that there is no place to go for help.
Hope is more than mere wishful thinking that things may get better. That concept of the meaning of the word hope seems to be all too common. It is thought of as wishing for something that probably will not happen, but we know the likelihood is very slim.
Let me correct that idea for us once and for all. The Greek word for hope as used in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 is the word elpis. It carries with it the meaning of confident expectation that God is the answer. Do you hear that? It is confidently waiting for something the Lord has prepared especially for us!
Please read that last sentence over one more time. It is not what we desire for ourselves, but what God wants to do in and through us. I think the greatest joy in life is to be used of God.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil