Wow! What A Verse!

Wow! What A Verse!



Romans 15:13 (NASB)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes you read a verse in the bible and it just "hits you". This was one of those times. As I read this verse this morning the wealth it contained just blew me away. Let me try to show you what I saw.



1. The God of Hope - For many of us there are times when our circumstances seem so insurmountable that we just can't see any hope. There is no possible way that a good outcome seems possible in our situation. These situations that seem "hopeless" are almost always beyond our control and we feel helpless as we watch them unfold. But God is the "God of Hope". Because God loves you, we can have hope for a good outcome even when it seems impossible.



2. Joy and Peace in Believing - When I can wrap my hands around the idea that God is the "God of Hope", and I can put my confidence in Him, it bring about two responses: "Joy" and "Peace". When I am focused on the dilemma at hand and the seeming impossibility of it, I have no joy. But when I realize that God is my hope and I can throw myself on His lap and trust Him, He brings joy into my heart. Not only that, but the gloom and despair that once dominated my very being is replaced with a calmness and peace in knowing God is in control and on my side.



3. Abound In Hope - Now, instead of being depressed and despondent, I "Abound In Hope". The picture is that I don't just have "a little hope", but rather, I am overflowing with confidence that my God really will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. It is a position of strength rather than a position of weakness.



4. By the Power of the Holy Spirit - This abundant hope isn't contrived or "trumped up", but it is securely anchored in the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn't my ability to believe, but the power of the Spirit of God in me that takes me to a new level in my walk with God.



You may be facing a seemingly impossible situation. It may have robbed you of your sleep, stolen your joy and stripped you of your peace. Read and re-read this verse until your hope is in God and God alone. Cast your care on him because He cares for you!





Pastor Scott