Living in Increase (Part 1) - Increase in UnderstandingSample

The Power of Hope

Studying Scripture offers hope, and hope is the springboard for faith. We need hope to have faith! We live our lives with present and future hope, and one of the enemy’s tactics is to strip us of this hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 might be a familiar verse to you. It says, “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” This verse is often quoted and can be seen on everything from billboards to graduation invitations.

When reading and studying the Bible, a good practice is to ask, “Who?” Who is the intended audience of this verse? When we ask this question and read Jeremiah 29:11, the “you” in this verse refers to Israelites in exile in Babylon. In fact, in verse 10, the Lord says that they will be in exile in Babylon for 70 years.

Now, this could sound like bad news (how would you feel if someone told you you had to leave your home for 70 years?). However, I am always encouraged by this fact because, while Israel was punished for disobeying and breaking their covenant with God, God also showed grace and mercy to His people. God was faithful even when His people were not faithful.

Just as the Israelites hoped their pain would end, we, too, should be hopeful! God has great plans for us, some of which are in this lifetime. God can do anything, including causing us to succeed (Proverbs 16:3). God also has plans for us beyond this life to spend an eternity worshiping and adoring Him in all His majesty!

Amid our struggles with sin and day-to-day circumstances, we must remember that the God of ages was faithful to our spiritual ancestors. He is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8) and will remain faithful to us. That is the power of hope at work!

Be encouraged. God is on the throne!

Ruby Washington

Action Step: Text a friend who needs hope. Share an encouraging Scripture with him/her.