1 Peter 3:15

15 But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defence to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.

Several years ago, researchers performed an experiment to see the effect hope has on those undergoing hardship. Two sets of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water. The researchers left one set in the water and found that within an hour, they had all drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water and then returned. When that happened, the second set of rats swam for over 24 hours. Why? Not because they were given a rest, but because they suddenly had hope!

Those animals somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat just a little longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such power for unthinking rodents, how much greater should its effect be on our lives.

Hope is a powerful thing, and it attracts attention, especially in this wicked world full of hopelessness and despair. Our hope acts as a signpost that makes people ask why and how it is that in the midst of all that is happening you can be so hopeful. That is a door to minister the good news of Christ to them

As believers, we are not hopeless and never should we be, because our hope is in Jesus.

1 Peter 1:13 (AMP)

13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

We have hope because we have the revelation that this life is not it, there is a whole eternity waiting for us. We have hope because we are not alone, Jesus said he will never leave us nor forsake us. Psalm 23 tells me that God is my shepherd, and He leads me; thus I never walk alone. We have hope because all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. We are hopeful because Jesus went to prepare a place for us, and he will come back for us. Furthermore, we are hopeful because if God be for us, who can be against us?

We are hopeful because all God’s promises are yes and amen in Jesus. We are hopeful because Jesus is the resurrection and life, and he defeated death, hell and the grave. The list could go on and on, the bible is filled with promises that keep us hopeful in peace and full of joy.

Reflections.

• Do you keep hope alive, or do you give up and complain easily?
• When people interact with you, do you exude hope or hopelessness?
• Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…. How strong is your faith?