Hope – Seeing the unseen

“So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Introduction

Hope is one of the most powerful forces in a believer’s life. It serves as the bridge between our present struggles and the future promises of God. Hope allows us to focus not on our temporary circumstances but on the eternal truths of God’s Word. In a world filled with uncertainty, hope acts as an anchor that keeps us steadfast, reassuring us that what we do not yet see is still real and attainable.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.“ This verse urges us to cultivate a faith that sees beyond our present trials and to hold fast to the promises of God.

Today’s article explores the significance of hope in the Christian journey and how it enables us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence in God’s promises.

Understanding Hope

Hope is a profound and dynamic force in the life of a believer. It consists of both an earnest desire and a confident expectation of obtaining an unseen promise. Hope is not merely wishful thinking but a deep-seated assurance that what God has spoken will come to pass.

The word hope in Scripture refers to the object of hope, the very thing we anticipate. Romans 8:24 states, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” Hope is always directed toward what is not yet realised. Once something is attained, it no longer requires hope but rather gratitude.

Hope sustains us in times of difficulty. It is the confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises. This is why Paul encourages believers to remain hopeful despite trials, knowing that hope will anchor us through life’s storms.

The Power of Hope in Difficult Times

Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” When our expectations are delayed, discouragement can set in. However, hope keeps us moving forward. Even when life feels unbearable, hope steadies us and reminds us that change is possible.

Every promise of God fuels our hope. The purpose of His promises is their fulfillment. His Word keeps our hope alive and pushes us to persevere. Jesus, in John 14:2-3, reassures us: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” This promise is a beacon of hope for all believers.

Hope and Future Glory

Sin has corrupted creation, leading to frustration and decay. However, we have hope that one day all of creation will be restored. Romans 8:18-22 declares: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

To be continued…………

• By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author