Hope to face any circumstance - Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (ESV)

Why look to God for hope?

1. God gives real hope

Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Hope is forward-looking confidence in God, based on His faithfulness and power.

2. God gives lasting hope

Romans 5:3-5 says, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

3. God gives abundant hope

It is Powerful to the true believer. 

It is Plentiful to the true believer.

______________

Dr. Don Cockes serves as a regional strategist in the Valley for the SBC of Virginia. He helps churches in various ways as an advisor, mentor, and partner in ministry.  He lives in Salem, but is a native of Altavista. He made a profession of faith in Christ at the age of 12, publicly acknowledged his call to ministry while in college, and has served in many Southern Baptist contexts.

Since 1988, he has served in some form of ministry, including youth pastor, associate pastor, senior pastor, transitional pastor of four churches,  North American Mission Board missionary, and SBCV staff since 2004.  Additionally, he has served on numerous Southern Baptist boards and committees over the years and has a passion for missions. Don has a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Seminary and has degrees from James Madison University and Mid-America Seminary. He and his wife, Janine, have been married for more than 28 years and have two sons: Tim and Chris.