The Higher PlaceSample

Hope in the Lord and His Promises

When Abraham went up to Mount Moriah to offer up the son he loved most, Isaac, he ascended with faith and firm hope that God was still and able to keep His promise which said that his descendants would be like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore (Genesis 22:17) and that Abraham's descendants would be called those who came from Isaac. (Genesis 21:12b).

As an ordinary man, Abraham must have experienced intense inner turmoil but the Bible does not record the part where Abraham questioned God's commandments, tried to negotiate with God, or reminded God Himself of His promises even though the situation seemed very contradictory. When Abraham heard God's voice, he knew very well that his part was to obey and hold fast to the promise-giver, God the Father.

As followers of Christ, of course, we have hope in God's promise. But often when we draw closer to God and climb His holy mountain, we experience many things that make us waver, worry, and even doubt God's promises. Many people give up in the process of climbing to a higher place, and begin using their logic and relying on others. Jeremiah 17:5 says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. ”On the other hand, verse 7 says "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

God can intervene in various ways such us through other people, but that doesn't mean we put our hopes in that person. We must stay focused and put our hope in God Himself, especially when we climb to a higher place. This is necessary so that we do not waver and stop in the middle of the road, or just give up, but to be obedient and faithful by putting our hope in the Lord because we know that “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

Let's remind and strengthen each other to keep learning to put our hope in the God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Reflection:

·Let's recall experiences with God when He answered you as you chose to trust fully in His promises and faithfulness!

·Pray and examine yourself whether you have put your hope in God in both big and small matters.