Living In Confident Expectation

By Bishop Keith A. Butler

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Hope means a "confident expectation." Without hope, your faith has nothing to feed on. The Word says in Hebrews 11:1 that "faith is the substance of things hoped for." Faith gives substance to hope and causes it to become a reality.

You don't always have hope every time you turn on a newscast. No, you'll see that inflation is raging, the recession is going on, unemployment is at record highs, and factories are closing-on and on. You derive hope from the Word of God; in fact, the Word of God is the only source that gives you hope every time you go to it.

People are concerned in these days because of the hard economic times, and I can see why. But when you get out your Bible and turn to Philippians 4:19, which says, "My God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus"-not according to the economic resources of the United States or the world, you'll have hope.

James says that you need to rejoice in hope. How would you act if that dream of having a new career or of being healed or of that loved one coming home were manifested today? How would you act if your dream was to be a millionaire, and someone gave you a certified check for $1 million with no strings attached? You would dance all over the floor! That's how the scripture says to act in the midst of trials. Rejoice in that confident expectation, seeing the vision and seeing the victory.

Prayer for Today

Father,
I look only to you for hope. You are providing everything I need, and I anticipate the provision and abundance that you have planned for me. I see the vision, and I claim the victory through the blood of Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Selah: Think on These Things

• 1 Peter 1:3
• Hebrews 6:18-19