A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 3Sample

Focus on What Will Last Forever

Human beings can handle an enormous amount of frustration, delay, and pain—as long as they have hope. 

But when hope is gone, people have a tendency to give up. 

Jesus offers the only hope that is eternal. And it is a hope that will never disappoint.

But you need the right perspective to understand the hope found in Jesus. That means you don’t just look at what’s going on right now. Instead of focusing on the temporary, focus on the eternal. For instance, pay more attention to God’s Word than the news on your phone. 

Difficulties don’t last. But hope in God lasts forever. The Bible says, “These three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NCV). 

There is a plaque engraved with Hebrew letters that hangs on the wall in my office. People ask me all the time what the Hebrew means. It simply says, “This too shall pass.” 

I like to look at it when I’m going through a difficult time. It reminds me that no matter my circumstances, they are temporary. No problem comes to stay in your life. It will pass. Even if it is a lifelong chronic problem, you won’t take it into eternity. 

Paul reminds us of this in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen” (CEV). 

Your problems won’t last forever. A pandemic won’t last forever. Uncertainty with the economy won’t last forever. 

But there are things in God’s universe you can’t see right now that will last forever. Faith, hope, and love will last forever. And if you trust in Jesus, you will be with God forever in eternity. 

Put your hope in Jesus. “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective” (Colossians 3:2 The Message). 

Your hope in Christ will become a hope fulfilled. 

Talk It Over

• What does putting your hope in Jesus look like during an uncertain time?
• How can you help others rely on their hope in Christ?
• What are some examples of eternal matters we can focus on when faced with troubles?

Have you put your hope in Jesus?

The Bible says we can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. And we don’t have to earn God’s love or work our way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I believe that you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say that salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management. You have the right to call the shots in my life.

“Jesus, I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your name, I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed and accepted Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.

This devotional © 2021 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

This reading plan selection is Part 3 of a five-part series. CLICK HERE to read A  Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 4.