Confession of our hope

This past week, the stories surface. Continually. Through emails. Personal posts. Press releases. 

Believers holding on to the confession of our hope.

I’m watching for this. The declaration. The profession. The holding fast of Hebrews 10:23. “Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since He who promised is faithful.”

And all week long, I hear them.

Their confessions affirm what is real. True. We are sure of what we hope for. Certain of what we do not see. 

Hope confessed by young and old

After months of talking with her parents about the gospel,  a young friend in Georgia takes that simple step of faith. She asks Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. This first confession of her hope changes everything. For life now and through eternity. 

A 95-year-old preacher in North Carolina testifies he is ready to go Home. But God clearly calls him to remain. And pray even longer for spiritual awakening. When COVID-19 begins to unfold, the plans for 200 pastors to come and pray with him have to be altered. Now over 165,000 people (and counting) are joining him—from wherever they are—to fast and pray on May 5^th. Perhaps you will too. [see Praying on the Mountain for more information]

Hope in the pandemic

During India’s lockdown, an Indian believer hears a Nigerian expatriate is in need. He finds him alone. With no food left. No help. No hope. This brother brings him a package of food. Shares the gospel. And the Nigerian man turns and follows Christ. 

A press release tells the story of an ICU nurse in New York City singing with the wife of her dying patient. Via FaceTime. In the midst of such sorrow, their voices affirm a steadfast hope in the Lord. Lifting high the Alpha and the Omega. 

Friends in Southeast Asia write that in a certain village some seekers come by night, looking for answers and fearing death during the COVID-19 crisis. They hear the gospel and immediately choose to follow the One who conquered sin and death when He rose from the dead. 

Even for the persecutors

Praying along with a prayer video online, I listen to the prayers of believers in a region of Africa. Asking for the salvation of those who persecute them. 

Their prayers take my breath away.

I’ve heard about the atrocities taking place in their area. The violent, brutal ways of these persecutors. I cry out, “How long, O Lord? How long?”  And struggle to believe such evil ones will ever turn from darkness to His light. 

But these faithful brothers and sisters hold on to the confession of our hope. Plead with the Lord. Ask that their enemies may soon believe and follow Him.

Hold on

Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope.

With the fresh faith of a child. Walking His path for the rest of our lives.

During darker days. In lockdown. In the face of death. Declaring the gospel.

When news of persecution and destruction trickles in. Showing up far from prominent media newsfeeds. By faith, keep praying. And holding fast to Him. 

“Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God,
for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5 CSB

What about you?

Have you heard or read any confessions of our hope in Jesus Christ this past week? Are you confessing hope to those around you or online?  Do you ever find it’s necessary to stop and address your own soul, as the psalmist did?

Related posts

Living hope – Sharing hope in the dark – Hope during a tsunami – Stones in the river – Job and the Hope of Easter – True sanctuary – Redeemed – God speaks – Faithful witness – Sanctuary: Psalm 73 –