The Victory of Hope

The Victory of Hope

A Word from Dr. Stanley

If we look around, it doesn’t take long to notice that the world is full of uncertainty. On every level of society, people are living with questions about the future. What will tomorrow bring? they ask. Will my dreams ever come to pass? Will I ever be able to stop surviving and begin to truly thrive?

In times such as these, with the global economy still suffering, many people are cutting back, trying to ride out the storm and make do with less, including less joy and peace. But that’s not what God has in mind for us. My friends, He wants each and every believer to live victoriously—to “overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Think about the woman who suffered from a hemorrhage for 12 years. Surely there were times when she felt overwhelmed and discouraged by her affliction. But she didn’t let that stop her from reaching out for the One she knew could heal her.

In fact, she was so sure of it, she told herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well” (Matthew 9:21). When we face challenges, sometimes we forget that the power this woman sought with such desperation is ours to access at any time. Why? Because the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer. That means, regardless of how impossible a situation may feel, we can remain hopeful because we are “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Victory in Christ may not mean that our troubles go away, but it does mean that we will see them differently. In Him, we find the strength to carry on with peaceful, grateful hearts, regardless of what happens in our lives. Like the apostle Paul, each of us can find it possible to say with conviction, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13)—something I discuss at length in The Challenge to be Content.

Read this month’s articles with these thoughts in mind. I want to encourage you not to worry about your life or the troubles that may come your way (Matt. 6:25-34). The faithful God, our heavenly Father, is greater than your struggles. 

He is all the certainty you need.