It happened again. I was reading a familiar Bible passage when a new question presented itself.
Here’s the scripture:
The first two reasons made perfect sense. Pushing through difficulty does produce endurance, and endurance results in the formation of character–traits like responsibility, self-discipline, and patience.
If Paul had concluded by saying character produced maturity, I’d have heartily agreed and read on. But he says character fosters hope, which led to my question: Why hope?
To begin, we need a clear understanding of what hope means. Which of these definitions do you find most insightful?
Hope is: a) looking forward with confidence and expectation (Beth Moore), b) the reality that is being constructed but is not yet visible (Eugene Peterson), or c) happy certainty (J. B. Phillips).
Actually, instead of choosing, let’s weave them together: Hope is the attitude of looking forward with confidence, expectation, and happy certainty to the reality being constructed though not yet visible.
Author Katherine Paterson would also have us understand: “Hope… is not a feeling. Hope is something we do”–such as:
- Affirming God’s omnipotent power—power that can accomplish anything (Matthew 19:26).
When we are facing the impossible,
we can count upon the God of the impossible.
–Amy Carmichael
- Remembering God’s promises of the Bible—promises that never fail (Psalm 145:13b).
Quit studying the problems
and start studying the promises.
–Ruth Graham
- Practicing God’s presence—presence that instills comfort, encouragement, and strength (Psalm 94:19; Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9).
Few delights can equal the mere presence
of one whom we trust utterly.
–George MacDonald
In the 1980s, retired millionaire Eugene Lang was asked to speak to the graduating six graders of his East Harlem alma mater. He planned to share his story and encourage them that effort and perseverance do produce success.
But when he took the podium, Lang changed his mind.
“Stay in school,” he charged them. “In fact, it is so important, I’m going to make you a promise. You stay in school, and I’ll help pay the college tuition for every one of you.”
No doubt some of the students thought, “Yeah, right.”
Most of these kids had already experienced a lifetime-worth of disappointment. Why should they believe this old guy?
Yet even the most cynical among them had to admit: Mr. Lang did have the financial power to keep such a promise—a promise announced in front of numerous witnesses.
Soon Mr. Lang founded the I Have a Dream Foundation and convinced others to add their support. He exercised his own financial power to hire a project coordinator, finance field trips, and provide mentors and tutors for each student.
Mr. Lang made his presence known by taking students to restaurants and museums. He personally counseled them through crises, and intervened with school officials on their behalf.
The kids responded. They began to work toward the goal of a college education, learning self-discipline, perseverance, and responsibility along the way. As those character traits and more developed within them, their hope grew that Mr. Lang’s promise would manifest itself in reality.
Six years after that impromptu offer, nearly ninety percent of the students graduated from high school, and close to half were enrolled for college in the fall. Character did indeed lead to hope—hope that looked forward with confidence, expectation, and happy certainty to a reality under construction.*
Mr. Lang typified what God does for us, developing our character so we might grow in hope—a hope for every tomorrow based on his power, promises, and presence, and a hope that can see heaven through the thickest clouds (Thomas Brooks).
Addendum: As of 2017, approximately two hundred I Have a Dream programs were in operation in the United States and in New Zealand, assisting more than 16,000 students.*
* https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/08/nyregion/eugene-lang-dead-harlem-college.html
Photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.jbsa.mil; http://www.pixabay.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.nps.gov; http://www.vaguard.dodlive.mil.
From the Inside Out 
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for Mr. Lang’s story. Yes, God’s we either step out and trust the Lord or not. Working off of hope makes my steps today have purpose. It sure is the Lord’s pace and timing. I heard two sermons and two studies on hope today. I think the Lord is giving me strength to finish right.
In Christ,
Gary
“Working off of hope” (‘Love that phrase!) DOES give us purpose–courage too, I think. But you are so right: God gets to choose the pace and the timing, which he always bases on what’s best for us and others. AMEN also to your last statement. I agree that the Lord is more than willing to give us the strength to finish right! As always, Gary, thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Another inspirational blog Nancy. We are doing “Unshakable Hope” on Sunday morning Bible Study. Another one of his very good studies, But it was our Wed afternoon Bible Study on “Ten Woman of the Bible” and as we looked at Sarah’s example in life, that the question was ask about hope and one lady said she never thought of hope but liked to think of faith as a replacement, so I have been praying and thinking a lot about hope today as I reply to her next week at the study. I do feel led to address it but know God will lead however best. This was helpful.
Hope and pray Steve is having better days. Think of you both often with prayers.
Love, Janet
So glad this post was helpful for you, Janet. Once again, praise God for his timing! Steve has his good days and his not-so-good days. Nausea has become an issue, possibly due to the particular mix of drugs he’s taking. We’ll see what the doctor says! Thank you SO much for your faithful prayers, Janet.
Beautiful story-telling, Nancy! Thank you.
Thank you for stopping by with your encouragement, Diana!
wow so thoughtful. Love the quotes and definitions too.
Did any of those quotes look familiar? One or more may very well have come from you!
Great post and story about Mr. Lang, Nancy. I learned the hard way how hope is formed. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is an easy way. I am praying for Steve.
Hope is a precious commodity; perhaps that’s why it’s hard to come by. Thank you for your prayers for Steve, Bill. He’s experiencing unexplained low grade fevers right now–thought it was a virus, but maybe not. His team of doctors is aware. Right now it’s wait and see…
I love this sentence: ‘Hope is the attitude of looking forward with confidence, expectation, and happy certainty to the reality being constructed though not yet visible.” When dark days are upon me I look to Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (New Living Translation). I know in my heart that worrying is unproductive when events are out of my control. What really stands out to me, though, is the word ‘happy’! Not tentatively, but HAPPILY! That is how I should feel about putting my trust and faith in Him! I had never thought of the attitude of happiness in handing over my cares to the Lord. I’m joyful when I think about eternity with Him in Heaven, but the day-to-day challenges should also bring happy certainty!
I never would have thought to describe hope as HAPPY certainty either. And just that one word adds a whole new dimension to our expectation. Thank you for bringing Hebrews 10:23 from the NLT to the table. Those words add courage to our hope!