Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

True Hope

Hope is a powerful concept. It can transform our perspective on the grimmest of circumstances. If we have hope, there's energy for today to face the challenges ahead; however, when you have no hope, it's like all of the life is sucked right out of you.

In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus and wants them to know the hope we have in Jesus. He is speaking to Christians, which tells us you can know the Lord and not fully know the hope to which He has called you! 

The hope He speaks of is that last clause of this verse, "the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” It's the day when we receive the inheritance of heaven, our final destination. It's this hope that gives us the strength to face today's challenges. 

How is the hope of heaven, the inheritance that Jesus will give us one day, giving you strength? Is it influencing your decisions? Is it impacting how you treat others, or how you spend your time and money? This hope should change everything about our lives for the good!

Ask God to help you see the power of this hope. Ask Him to help you to think often of the hope of heaven. Ask Him to fill your heart with real anticipation for this inheritance that Jesus has promised all of us who have trusted in Him. Then pray this verse for two other people you know. 

Prayer: God, my heart's desire is first to meet with you before I do anything else today. My passion and focus are on You today. My focus will be to walk with You every step of the way. Help me to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and fill my heart with anticipation of the inheritance You promise Your children. Put the hope of heaven in my thoughts today. Lead me and use me for Your honor! In Jesus' name, Amen!