“For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPTIMISM AND HOPE? According to Lewis Smedes, optimism depends on the evidence that we can stay alive. This means that it dies when that evidence no longer provides a basis for viewing things in a more favorable way. On the other hand, hope—especially Christian hope— does not depend on evidence or tangible facts to remain alive, because it leans on God’s promises by faith. Isn’t faith «the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen?» (Hebrews 11:1).
Can you see the difference? What would have become of Abraham if, when God promised him that he would be the father of multitudes, he had depended on his optimism? In that case, today he would not be called «the father of faith;» because optimism is fed by evidence, and at that time all evidence pointed against him: Sarah, his wife, was already past childbearing age, and he himself was about one hundred years old.
Therefore, Abraham needed a more solid point of support; and he found that point of support in God’s promises. What had God promised him? «I will make you a great nation» (Genesis 12:2). «I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son» (Genesis 18:10). And what was the patriarchs answer? Even though they «were old, well advanced in age» (v. 11), Abraham hoped «against all hope» (Romans 4:18). When God made him that promise, Abraham «did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised» (w. 20, 21, NIV). The result was that, precisely at the announced time, the promised son was born.
Are you going through a very difficult time right now? So hard that it could be said that a miracle from God is needed to solve it? If that is your case, then instead of feeding your optimism, I encourage you to wait on God; and set your hope on the promises found in His Word, and wait for Him to perform a miracle if it is according to His will!
Wasn’t what God did for Abraham and Sarah a miracle? Why couldn’t He also perform a miracle for you?
«Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God» (Psalm 42:5, NIV),
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
