As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this.

If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –

– and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible)

– then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column

– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.

This is #5 in a series on hope.

Let’s Tear Into – Strong Hope

There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal.
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

To explore strong hope, let’s take a look at some verses from Hebrews. We’ll also throw in a Scripture from Psalms.

Heb. 6:18 – “We who have found refuge in Him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.” (NET)

Heb. 6:13 – “God’s promise to Abraham: God took an oath in His own name, since there was no one greater to swear by . . .” (TLB)

Heb. 6:16 – “When a man takes an oath, he is calling upon someone greater than himself to force him to do what he has promised – or to punish him if he later refuses to do it. The oath ends all argument about it.” (TLB)

Heb. 6:18a,b – “He has given us both –

1. His promise, and
2. His oath,

 – two things we can completely count on. For it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to Him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God.” (TLB)

Ps. 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (NIV)

That is what those verses say.

2. What Does It Mean?

To discover what these verses mean, we’ll interact with each one.

Heb. 6:18 –

“We who have found refuge in Him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.” (NET)

God claims to be a refuge to anyone who shelters in Him. That person will find STRONG encouragement to carry out what God designed them to do. Simply, to trust and obey Him – and to hold fast to God’s hope. He takes care of the rest.

Furthermore, there are two unchangeable things that guarantee He will do His part . . . but we’ll talk about those in a later verse. 

Heb. 6:13 –

“God’s promise to Abraham: God took an oath in His own name, since there was no one greater to swear by . . .” (TLB)

God made a promise to Abraham in the form of an oath. A promise is never supposed to be broken. And an oath is a guarantee the promise will be kept. 

Interestingly, God has no one greater than Himself to swear His oath by. In other words, to guarantee He’d keep His promise. So, He swore by His own name.

This is stunning. 

Heb. 6:16 –

“When a man takes an oath, he is calling upon someone greater than himself to force him to do what he has promised – or to punish him if he later refuses to do it. The oath ends all argument about it.” (TLB)

Here, we see the seriousness of taking an oath. Something God understood. Someone greater enforces the promise made.

If a person doesn’t keep their promise or oath, they will be punished. There’s no argument.

Heb. 6:18a,b –

“He has given us both –

1. His promise, and
2. His oath,

 – two things we can completely count on. For it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to Him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God.” (TLB)

And here are the two unchangeable things we said we’d talk about. God has given both His promise and His oath that He’ll keep His Word. In other words, God is a super good risk. He will absolutely fulfill every promise He gives. 2 Cor. 1:20 says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”

It is absolutely not possible for God to be untruthful. If He ever were, He would cease to be God.

Ps. 31:24 –

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (NIV)

It’s short. It’s simple. And it’s to-the-point. Basically, to hope in the Lord means to be strong and take heart. This is a good definition of hope. And it’s neatly tucked in this short little verse.

And that is what those verses mean.

3. Make It Personal

Heb. 6:18 –

“We who have found refuge in Him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.” (NET)

You find refuge (shelter, protection) as you stay hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). In this amazing place of safety, you also find strong encouragement to hold onto hope in your difficulties and troubles. Matter of fact, this is exactly where you need to stay to have strong hope and live successfully. 

Interestingly, this verse gives you an awesome truth: “God can’t lie.” Now that little tidbit will carry you through the most challenging times. It means you can take every single thing God says seriously. Actually, it even brings a smile to your face to know He cannot lie.

Heb. 6:13 –

“God’s promise to Abraham: God took an oath in His own name, since there was no one greater to swear by . . .” (TLB)

God’s Word is filled with promises He makes to you. He intends to keep every one of them. Matter of fact, He guarantees it, and there’s no one greater. In your hard times, trust His promise by His oath. 

Heb. 6:16 –

“When a man takes an oath, he is calling upon someone greater than himself to force him to do what he has promised – or to punish him if he later refuses to do it. The oath ends all argument about it.” (TLB)

To break your promise is serious! By definition, a promise dismisses every excuse or explanation you might come up with if you break one. The take-away? Keep your promises and oaths. Keep your word. You have no credibility when you don’t.

Heb. 6:18a,b –

“He has given us both –

1. His promise, and
2. His oath,

 – two things we can completely count on. For it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to Him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God.” (TLB)

God will keep His Word. You can count on it. In other words, He will absolutely fulfill every promise He has given you. Remember, all His promises to you are “Yes!”

Additionally, you can “flee to Him” in every life scenario you go through. Take courage. You have God’s assurance. 

Ps. 31:24 –

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (NIV)

And here’s the psalm that’s like honey to your heart. Basically, if you trust the Lord – if you put your hope in Him – you are admonished to be strong and take heart. So, in all your mounting troubles – hope in the Lord.

Since God is a good risk because of His promise and His oath, you can abandon all doubts and hold fully to His Word. Afterall, He wants you to fulfill your life purpose.

4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions

As you embrace strong hope, here are some questions to help you apply your commitment.

1. Have you found refuge (safety) for your life in God?
2. Are you using His Word as your greatest resource?
3. Further, are you tracking how God answers your prayers and keeps His promises? This helps you remember you’ve made progress in your faith. So, in future struggles, you don’t have to start over. Just pick from where you are.
4. List specific ways you are engaging strong hope in practical ways each day.

 

This Series On Hope

1. A Message of Hope
2. Pinhole of Hope
3. You Are Included
4. Change Me, Lord! – New Hope
5. Strong Hope (this article)
6. Let Go. It’ll Be O.K. (coming soon)

 

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* Portions of this content come from our book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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