A Different Kind of Love StorySample

Hope and Faith

Faith and hope have different meanings and different functions as we walk with God. Hope feels good, doesn’t it? Possessing hope fills your chest with anticipation and expectation. On the other hand, when our hopes are never realized (at least in the way we want them to be), it can feel like a death in some ways. The Bible supports that: “Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart” (Proverbs 13:12). And faith, what does it mean when we say, “I am taking a leap of faith.” The answer to that question highlights the difference between hope and faith.

Hope has more to do with our will. Our dreams. Our goals.

Faith has more to do with our walk. Our demeanor. Our actions.

Hope and faith are tied; they’re difficult to separate. The Bible says, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” (Galatians 5:5). We use our faith to wait for the hope of righteousness. Another verse differentiates faith and hope this way: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). Hope requires faith for fuel.

When my parents and I were told that I needed inpatient treatment for my eating disorder or I could die, the shame I felt was almost too much. I couldn’t beat this thing on my own; it was controlling me. So I submitted and went, because deep down, there existed the tiniest flame of hope. When I was released—as necessary as my time was in treatment—there had been no magic cure. I needed to follow up my step of hope with acts of faith. Faith that God could bring light to the dark places in my heart. Faith that I was lovable despite my brokenness.

In the often-quoted Scripture, we hear Jesus tell His disciples: “. . . your faith is much too small. What I’m about to tell you is true. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, it is enough. You can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20–21). Our acts of faith carve pathways for God’s miracles in our lives. But once we take steps, we can’t stop. We have to keep moving if we want to get through to the other side of our mountain.

Choose an act of faith, however small, toward something you are hopeful about. Now, go do it.