HOPE THAT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

“Now HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” – Romans 5:5

Biblical Hope – Believers’ Hope in God – is HOPE THAT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT: “Now HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom.5:5). The Passion translation says, “And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!” In Romans 5, Paul explained some of the amazing benefits of being justified by faith – being declared righteous in God’s sight. First, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (v.1). Thus, we can stand in His grace and rejoice, looking forward to the unveiling of His glory (v.2). We can even rejoice in our tribulations; not in the tribulations themselves, but in what they accomplish in our lives (v.3).

In God’s design, trials are meant to make us not to break us; to develop us not to destroy us. Encountering challenges strengthens us to withstand even more. This ability to rejoice in trials, then, produces perseverance or endurance, which brings about proven character (v.4). The quality of our character is tested in trials, and when we have endured, such character is no longer hypothetical; it is proven. Proven character is what brings about Hope (v.4b). When we have endured, and our character has been proven faithful, that helps us to have a Strong Hope – not simply a wish for something, but an anticipation of what will certainly come. This kind of Hope – tried and tested in the furnace of tribulation – never disappoints!

The Hope that does not disappoint is much different than the hope the world offers. This Hope is certain because it relies upon God’s power, promises, and sacrifice, and not our own merits (vv.6-8). This Hope is sure and steadfast because of what Christ has accomplished, not due to any work on our part. Because He died for us we have been justified, and we will be delivered from future wrath (vv.8-9). We were not saved based on our righteousness; rather, we were reconciled even while we were enemies of God, and so we will be saved by His life (v.10).

Challenges, tribulations, or trials, though negative and unpalatable, are sometimes part of God’s recipe for our growth. James offers a similar exhortation: “My brethren, COUNT IT ALL JOY when you fall into VARIOUS TRIALS, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam1: 2-4). Challenges make Champions. Trials can produce eternal benefits in believers. It is for the reason that “hope does not disappoint,” that we can and should “rejoice always” (1The.5:16). Christians who walk around disappointed have probably put their hope in other things and people, and when those entities let them down, they are put to shame. Authentic Hope is built up in us when we keep our eyes on Christ as we persevere through trials.

Paul demonstrates how “hope does not disappoint.” He explained that he had learned how to be content in any condition: “For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phi.4: 11b-12). He could deal with humble means or prosperity, being filled or being hungry, having much or having need. Whatever the situation, he had learned to persevere knowing that he “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” (Phi.4:13).

The Lord who strengthened Paul with such contentment and courage will also enable us, working all things together for our good (Rom.8:28). When we put our hope in Christ, and run our race keeping our eyes on Him, even in the middle of a tough season, we won’t be disappointed, having encountered the Father’s endless Love in our hearts.