True hope is not wishful thinking.

When we as Christians say we have hope,

It comes from knowing that our God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is alive and moving in this world with a plan to redeem all of creation, even us.

It comes from believing that Jesus did die on the cross and rose from the dead.

It comes from remembering what God has done in the past for his people.

And what He has done for us.

It comes from remembering how God delivered the Jews from Pharaoh in Egypt.

And kept them alive in the desert for 40 years. 

It comes from remembering how God sustained Joseph through all of His trials to save his family and the brothers who intended to kill him.

It comes from remembering all the martyrs over the years that were willing to die rather than reject the name of Jesus.

It comes from remembering that Jesus has shown up in people’s dreams convincing them to follow Him, even when doing so would mean they would be rejected by their families and their communities.

It comes from remembering that we were designed in the image of God and that there are many things about us that our top doctors and scientists don’t understand. 

It comes from remembering all of the people that set out for distant lands after receiving a calling from God to share these promises with people all over the world.

It comes from remembering those that gave their lives to translate the Bible into different languages so that people could read about these promises and come to believe.

It comes from remembering those that built orphanages, schools, and hospitals all over the world to show people God’s love.

For me it comes from God showing me, an atheist, through a wide range of believers and the Bible that these promises are true.

And for walking beside me as I learn how to trust in Jesus more and more each day knowing that the Spirit of God has changed me and will continue to change me to be more like Jesus.

You see, we have hope not because we wish these things were true, but because we know they are true and that Jesus will come back someday and will make this reality plain for all to see.