God is calling us to a fuller perspective of our lives. We are to be people of vision and expectation. We are to define our lives by eternal things. How would your life look if you defined your life like this? Hopelessness comes when we do not see the earthly ideals we’ve created played out; however, our life is far more fulfilling than the day-to-day actions. We can live in future expectation and present confidence, free from the ideals we’ve created. This does not mean we hide from the world, but we have freedom from the world because we have an eternal mindset. When we see the eternal realities of God, we can be subservient to all, as Paul was in his time. The transforming work of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s life was his guarantee of the transforming work in life after death. We have confidence, not by asserting ourselves, but by learning to trust in, and how, God is leading us. Lack of faith and limited confidence will lead to trying to save ourselves, but doing this only leads to losing ourselves. This life is not about what we see but about knowing what will come. The coming promises are our motivation in trials.  Having this expectation of God’s promises, we can then persuade others to the Gospel. We must be willing to lose now in order to gain in Heaven. The secret of contentment is anchoring our joy in Christ, not in success or building up life on this earth. Be assured of the path you are currently on, even if you don’t see the fulfillment of your life. Consider how great the love of Christ is to die in our place. This will compel you to pursue the life God has called you to. Trusting in God will free us to live for others, and not for ourselves only.