The Practice of Living Hope

Corrie Ten Boom was a Jewish prisoner of war in Ravensbruck, a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. After the Allied victory and the world began to heal, in 1947 she traveled back to the bitter and bombed out land of Germany to proclaim the forgiveness and grace of God to her previous captors. On one of her visit’s she came face to face with a previous guard and in a profound expression of the power of God and in a great display of love she forgave this man who had murdered her loved ones. How did she do this? By her own admission, it was the power of Holy Spirit working through her.

Although most of us will never have to do something so challenging, how does the Christian actually live out the Living Hope we have in Christ. How do we look through our most difficult challenges in life and live in a way that captures the reality of the Hope we have in Christ?

We must intentionally pursue a life that is fully submitted to the power of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 3:8-12 clearly describes a super natural life that resonates with Christ. Second, we must live courageously before those who don’t agree with us. We are not to fear them but instead purposely place Christ as Lord as the One whom we should revere. Only then will we be able to give a gentle and respectful reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:13-16). Lastly, if we are to practice or live out our living hope we should be ready, willing and able to suffer for doing right (1 Peter 3:17-22).

Christian,

Will you pray today that the Spirit of Christ would empower you to live for Him?

Will you chose courage over fear and set Christ as Lord?

Will you be willing to suffer for doing what is right?

As we grow in our understanding of our living hope in Christ, following Him this way will make our hope even more sure.