November 2024 - Hope Against Hope

“In hope, he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told,

“So shall your offspring be.””

Romans 4:18 ESV

Hope Against Hope

This phrase has been running through my mind for the past month. Hope against hope on the surface seems like a fool’s errand. Why would you continue hoping something will happen when the likelihood of it happening is almost non-existent? And yet, as Christians this is often the exact position we find ourselves in. In Romans 4:18 Paul recounts the story of Abraham. “In hope, he believed against hope.” As you read further in verse 20-21 it says “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”

What stands out to me here is the promise of God. There are many things in this world that are uncertain. Usually the term “hope against hope” is a platitude used to bring comfort. When we hope against hope in the things of this world, it IS a fool’s errand. But when we hope against hope in the promises of God, our footing could not be more secure, as noted in the words of this old hymn.

♪♫  My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand ♪♫