What do you think of when you hear the word "hope?"For some people, hope is winning the lottery; for others, hope is willing a loved one to live. For every person, hope represents something different. For instance, many people, like me, have high hopes for the remainder of 2012. I hope that people affected by the flood will be able to repair their homes. I hope that my family and I will be healthy. I hope that my grades will be good in school.
This kind of hope is wishing and chance. It's something we desire would happen. The Webster dictionary defines hope this way: to cherish a desire with anticipation. However, not all hopes are answered in the way that we wish it would be. God always answers prayers, but not always in the way we wish it would happen. Sometimes but not always.
Let me give you an example. For a year, my family hoped that a good friend of ours named Renee would not die. In the end, however, she did pass away. This is one version of hope, but the Bible talks about a different type of hope. A type that is everlasting.
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Travis Barnes
This biblical hope isn't superficial, but is made to last. There is no wishing in this kind of hope; it is certain and promised in the Bible. Titus 2:13 says, "While we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This verse is talking about Christ's second coming when Jesus will come back and take his believers into heaven. This is the hope I have. I wish more people had it, too. Part of this hope is that of eternal life.
Our God is an eternal God. He promises in Proverbs 23:18 that those who believe in his name will live with him forever. It says, "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." It is a hope that can be believed in. Renee believed in this hope, and I know now that she is in heaven with Jesus. This hope is available to all. I have it. Do you?
Travis Barnes is a freshman at Minot High School-Central Campus.