The Hope QuotientSample

Hope can seem like cotton candy—tastes good but nothing to it, like the shot of hope in a New Years’ resolution that we discard by January 6. Real hope is a powerful force when it’s anchored in seven hope factors that support, sustain, and strengthen hope. We’ll learn all seven because, regardless of your circumstances or makeup, rising hope changes everything.  

Need proof? Try three tests: 

1. Think of two people walking toward you. One is an encouraging person. The other is a discouraging person. Which do you want to talk to?  
2. Picture what happens when just one encouraging person with genuine hope shows up. In a flash, the whole atmosphere changes. The impossible looks possible (Steve Jobs). Defeat looks like victory (Peyton Manning). Difficulties look surmountable (Nelson Mandela). Courage replaces fear. Strength replaces powerlessness.  
3. Imagine two people with identical circumstances. Only one faces them with hope and confidence. How will each turn out?  

In every case, hope makes all the difference. A national poll showed the presence of hope makes a person: 

• more successful and satisfied 
• more compassionate and willing meet needs 
• physically healthier 
• hold to higher standards 
• more likely to assume leadership 
• have satisfying relationships 
• more productive and less affected by stress 
• more likely to view God as loving and forgiving 

Your biggest priority will always be not just to get encouraged but to stay encouraged. That’s why in Part 1, we’ll learn the power of hope and why discouragement is your biggest enemy. In Part 2, we’ll adopt “The Seven” hope factors. And in Part 3, you’ll learn how to unleash hope in your marriage, children, career, church, community, and the world. 

Getting and staying encouraged is the one battle you cannot afford to lose, and I’m going to help you win it. 

Think Up: 

Do you see your biggest priority is to get encouraged and stay encouraged? 

Do you believe you can win the battle for hope? (Read on).