A Life of Hope: Remember Your Story

by David Chadwick Last week, we looked at what it takes to develop a life of faith. This week, I want to talk about how to develop a life of hope. Hope is one of the things that God’s Word says will remain forever. “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Hope is a crucial discipline to develop. Otherwise, we will inevitably find ourselves in hopelessness and despair. Depression and despondency. Today’s tip for stewarding a life of hope? Remember your story. Each one of us has a testimony. Our lives are made up of stories. As followers of Jesus, these stories should point to time after time where God saved us and transformed us. These stories should invoke hope! Write them down if needed. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” Our testimony and the stories that speak to our history with God are things we can use to battle the schemes of the enemy. Take a moment and look back into your past. Remember all of the times that God came through for you. Do you remember a time where you waited for a long time for an answer and God came through? How about a surprise blessing that came after a long season of nothing? A financial provision that showed up when you had a need? List as many of them as possible. Then claim this truth: If Jesus did it once, he can do it again. Hope increases as you remember God’s faithfulness in the past. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Remember that truth both now and forever!