The God of Hope – Toni Babcock
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 KJV)
If ever a word of hope is needed in the world it is now—in a world where nations rise against nations, and people against people—in tortured minds where depression and despair seem endemic, and doom and hopelessness cause anger and run-away panic. Yes, the world needs a word of hope.
This was the hope the Apostle Paul brought to the nations—a hope to be shared, a hope to be believed, a hope to live. His was not a word of “I hope so,” but the faith of “I know so.” The sure word of reconciliation with God is what he preached about; the promise that God is for us, not against us as we place our hope and trust in Jesus Christ who died and rose again. What could bring more joy and peace in believing than that?
At the end of the passage, we see a reference to the power of the Holy Spirit. It attests to the fact that something powerful takes place when the Holy Spirit communicates the life of Jesus to those who receive Him. Jesus did not just die on the cross and rise again simply to return to Heaven. His death and resurrection gave Jesus the right and the power to possess the heart of every soul that would come to Him for Life.
Have you come to Jesus for Life?
Toni M. Babcock is author of Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus. Contact