Hopemonger; Living with Unhindered Belief in the Promises of God

Blessed is she who has believed that what the LORD has said to her will be accomplished!

Luke 1:45

In a world of fake news and manipulated messaging, what if there is something true? What if the number one best selling book of all time is the written record of absolute truth?

What if the story recorded in Luke Chapters 1 and 2 is the beginning chapter of a serious nonfiction book, an autobiography of a universal force wrapped in skin and born from the womb of a woman, destined from words spoken in Genesis 3:15.

What if that universal force has a voice that speaks nothing into something as recorded in Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26? Seven times, “And God said,” and seven times it was. Just like that? What if that same universal force has a voice that calls your name?

What if we dared to believe in a God who cannot be contained within our own understanding, dared to believe that His Word is infallible, eternal and powerful?

What if?

Are you brave to believe? Are you brave to let the currency of your life be hope, to deal in hope, to share hope?

“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men (the apostles) be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: ‘Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do with these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the presence of this case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'” (Acts 5:34-39)

And here we are moving through the end of another calendar, almost 2000 years after the death of Jesus Christ, reading His unstoppable message. Wondering, is it true?

What if it is more than a story of a baby in a manger with shepherds and some sheep?

What if?

• What if the waiting is worth it, resulting in more than you could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), would you stop striving and rest in the provision for today?
• What if your prayers matter (James 5:16), would you pray without ceasing?
• What if beauty comes from ashes (Isaiah 61:3), would you surrender to the comfort brought by the LORD?
• What if there are blessings for a thousand generations based on your obedience (Exodus 20:6), would it alter your perspective on the choice you will make today?
• What if He will never leave you or forsake you (Joshua 1), would you be willing to go where He leads you or sit tight until He leads you?
• What if kings and rulers and authorities are put in place and removed by the King of King and LORD of LORDs (Isaiah 40:23-24), would you rest amidst political limbo?
• What if it is true that all things work for the good of those who love the LORD (Romans 8:28), would you be thankful in all circumstances?

What if?

Promises are given to be kept, not broken (Psalm 145:13). Promises are received to be held, to be treasured up, to usher in hope.

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To step in faith is to walk in promise.

To walk in promise is to move in purpose.

To move in purpose is to live in abundance.

To live in abundance is to rest in favor.

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Find a promise to keep. If one of those listed above does not meet you today, go and look for another. God’s Word is teeming with promises that He has spoken over His children, over His creation. If you are not able to believe in that promise or the One who gave it, ask Him (Mark 9:9) to help you. It is the desire of His heart that you believe (2 Peter 3:9).

I want to live as a Hopemonger, a dealer in hope. I want to step believing wholeheartedly that promises spoken over me are mine to hold onto, are mine to keep, are mine to count on. For the One who promises is faithful and the One who promises is able (Hebrews 10:23; Romans 4:21).

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