Keep hope alive in the Lord

Posted on June 18, 2025, 9:22 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Hope is confident expectation that is based on doubtless certainty. It is an extension of faith that gives believers confident to trust God and His faithfulness. It is important that believers keep hope alive in the Lord at all times, for we were saved in this hope. (Rom.8:24) It is on the hope that believers put his faith that the Lord will answer when he prays to God. However, many a times, the hope becomes weary when it appears answers were not coming to prayers as expected. But one thing that is certain is that, God give attention and response to all prayers. However, the answer may not meet our expectation because His thoughts are not our thoughts. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord” (Isaiah.55:8) But the promising and faithful assurance is that His thought that he thinks towards us is thought of peace to give us a future and a hope. (Jer.29:11) Therefore, His answer may be No, Wait or Yes. He determines the answer based on His thought concerning believer’s prayer. God’s plan transcends that of man and man cannot accurately read His ways. So, when it seems that He is not responding to our prayers in the way we expect, we should rely on His promises. Biblical hope rests on God’s promises. One of his many promises say, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall you no know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and waters in the wilderness.” (Isaiah.43:19) The word of God is affirming the fact that the God that dried water for the children of Israel in order for them to be delivered from Egypt, is the same God that supplied them water to quench their thirst in the wilderness. He knows what is good for us notwithstanding our request. He always wants to give us the best. Therefore, His response may be Yes, Wait or No. But as true believer, we should continually keep hope alive, knowing that His thought towards us is to give us a future and a hope. Jesus in His parable of the persistent widow, taught that one should pray persistently. “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not loose heart.” (Luke.18:1) Persistent prayer encourages steadfastness and guard against one loosing hope. Glory be to God that God’s people today no longer look to physical temple in order to pray, but pray directly to God wherever they are. One should not allow oneself to be trapped in situation that would hinder his communication with God. Persistent communication with God strengthens faith and keep hope alive. Apostle Paul says, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” (Rom.12:12) One should not allow pessimism to impact one’s hope, but keep on rejoicing in the hope that one has in Christ Jesus. Rejoicing in hope strengthens one’s patience, steadfast one in prayer, and keep one’s hope alive. In all circumstances, we should keep our hope alive in the Lord. Brethren, we should stand on the understanding that all things are working together for our good. (Rom.8:28) So, when His answer to us is ‘Wait’, it may mean that He is planning to do a better thing. We should keep our hope alive. When He says ‘No’, it may mean that we have not asked with the right intention. The Bible says, “You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James.4:3) Regarding ‘Yes’ answer, the scripture says when one delight himself in the Lord He shall give that person his heart desires. (Psalm.37:4) It means, God gives a Yes answer when the request is according to His will. It clearly shows that His responses to our requests means well for us, we should therefore be thankful and continually keep our hope alive in Him. The psalmist says, “But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psalm.71:14) May the Almighty God grant us the grace to keep our hope alive and delight ourselves in Him in Jesus merciful name. Amen Evangelism Christianity is a way to live a peaceful and hopeful life in Christ Jesus now and forever. Give your life to Him today. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre