“The Christian’s hope is sound because it is founded upon the character of God and the redeeming work of His Son Jesus Christ. For this reason Peter could call it “a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). It is living because it rests on reality and not on fancy. It is not wishful dreaming but vital expectation with the whole might of the Most High behind it.” (A.W. Tozer The Size of the Soul, Chapter 20 )
I can tell by the way he’s hoping back and forth, from one foot to the other, he’s nervous. His skinny arms are tight at his sides, like a little soldier but he’s out of formation with that nervous jig he’s dancing. I notice how he didn’t volunteer this time to go first. I remember that fear.
He steps up onto the diving platform and I can see his growing muscles tense, the water shimmering on his perfect, nutty skin- he hesitates for a minute, then he just leaps.
We rally and clap for him as he emerges and I can see his grin from across the pool. His chest swelling a little with pride, with the triumph of having overcome. The satisfaction of having been willing, radiates in his confident steps as he walks the pool deck.
He did it.
Watching him step up to repeat the move, my lungs empty in a heavy sigh, I’m remembering all of the times when I was his age, and beyond, all of the moments of stepping up, taking that leap. And I wonder if I will ever stop being afraid. Faith cancels out fear. I learned this recently, and God repeats the lesson it seems almost daily for me lately. Constant opportunities present to choose fear, or faith, opportunities to hold on to hope. I’d like to say the choice is simple. Sometimes it is.
I’m still neck deep in learning how not to fear. In fearing, I lose hope. I’m still ripping the seams of this suffocating pride of mine that chokes out flickers of faith. I’m still reminding myself daily, that hope overcame death, so that I could live constantly under it’s wings. I know I cannot do any of it myself and yet this human heart tries.
I’m learning to hope again. Learning to trust and believe that with hope in the cross, in the saving grace of Christ, I can overcome, not by my own strength, but by his.
I am learning, like my boy, to step up, to believe that when I leap, God will catch me. I am learning to hold fast to that hope because it does not disappoint.
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25
What does hope look like to you? Do you ever lose hope? How do you find it again?
By: Kris Camealy ~ Always Alleluia
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Choosing Faith, Holding On To Hope – Always Alleluia says
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Jen says
Roman 8:24-25… God has moved me to wake early and ponder this fear and faith in the early hours of the day. I thumb around blogs on my phone searching… I’m willing to work through my bible study and there it is this “tug of war between fear and faith. I am hopeful, because God always leads me back to the cross. Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, one’s life reflects the heart. I look in the water and I see Jesus…
Kris says
So true, Jen. It is a “tug of war” for me as well, I can move too quickly from walking in faith, to backing up in fear and hiding. This is a daily struggle for me, and oh yes, may we always be looking in the water, and seeing HIS face, love without fear!
Kelly says
Our family is living in a current situation where we MUST choose faith over fear DAILY…but there are moments this mama fails. And their are moments the daddy fails. And praise God…usually, we don’t fail at the same time! My hope rests in the ‘appointed time’ God has promised. Thank you for sharing these timely and (inc)couraging words!
Kris says
This, “My hope rests in the ‘appointed time’ God has promised. ” that’s it, isn’t it, resting and hoping in the promises HE has given us. He does not fail, and even when we do, HE does not. Again and again, that is where I put my hope… saying a little prayer for your family during this season of learning to trust, to hope… He is there in it. 😉
Betty Draper says
Great post, going to repost it to my fb Kris…
Kris says
Thank you, Betty. You are too kind, friend.
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Shelly Miller says
This is a constant tug-of -war of the soul. The first response to fear and then hope comes we we grasp faith instead. Love the way you expressed it in this story.
Christy says
Great post Kris. I’m with you on this battle! I had written a similar (but different ) post last night…”Slippery Slopes”…I’m slowly learning to not go down the mountain of fear. Not an easy task.
Annie says
Oh, Kris, voices like yours, reminding and inviting to come along and take that plunge – this is what encourages this heart to hold on to hope, to let love drive out fear, to walk in faith. Thanks for these words today.
Kris says
Jump in, Annie. I know the Father will catch you, and in His arms, you will find such freedom, such love! There is no room for fear when we walk close enough with Him… 😉
Susan @LilbearMe says
Sweet friend, this post is a blessing today. Fear has always tried to pull us down…it seems to be a natural tendency. But hope and complete trust that God will handle it for us is so key. This is a daily struggle for me, to remind myself of His promises. Thank you for painting this literal picture for us. Lovely post, Krissie!
Kris says
Susan, it is a daily, sometimes HOURLY struggle for me! I am so thankful for you, for your words. Praying we overcome it once and for all, eh? By His Strength and For His Glory!
Sherry says
This has been a constant battle for me and has intensified lately. What I am learning is to focus on who God is, instead of on me or my situation. When I meditate on who He says He is, I find much more peace and hope. It hasn’t conquered the fear once-and-for-all, but He gives me the strength and hope to get through each day when I keep my eyes on Him.
Sometimes I need to just sit before Him, singing praise to Him, and being quiet, to just feel His presence and peace.
Thank you for your post today. I needed this!
Kris says
Sherry,
This is the key, “What I am learning is to focus on who God is, instead of on me or my situation.” Just that alone make a huge difference. When we are looking towards Him, we can hope in the courage that he gives, in the strength and love that He provides for us. Thank you for your words, it is a blessed reminder to me!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
Great post. This is a hard struggle. I find when I am doing things to bring my mind to our Lord each day then I am more likely to turn to hope first, before fear. Opposite is true when I am slacking.
Diane Bailey says
We all struggle with Fear, don’t we? In one way or another, but I love how you said we are to focus on Him and not the situation. Amen, sister!
Julie Sunne says
Wonderful post, Kris! We all struggle with fear. And you are right on with pride suffocating faith! My hope is daily in the cross. Only through Jesus Christ drinking the cup that was given to Him, do I have any hope in this life or beyond. Now to remember and apply that every day in every moment–beautiful reminder here!
Mrs H says
With my husband’s job in the Navy, lots of things are changing really fast … we thought we’d have Christmas together with family, now we’re not even sure if we’ll have Christmas with each other … so many things leaving us wondering. Wonder can turn into fear, confusion about His omnipotence.
Thanks for the reminder … it is valued.
Amy Hunt says
YES–we can trust in Him! With each daily breath!
I appreciate your words today, my friend. {hugs}
Kris says
Amy, you and I walk this similar path, fear, faith, hope… May we learn to overcome the fear and walk in the Hope that was raised from the grave for us.
Meredith says
Faith cancels out fear…
It’s like a mantra that might need to be repeated many, many times to myself….
Ashlie says
Wonderful words, Kris (as always). I needed this reminder – especially today. Isn’t that always how He works? Fear is often so paralyzing, and you’re right…that hope is quenched along with the fear. I’ve found that so many times it takes time for me to even realize what is inhibiting me in a certain area. Almost every time, it’s fear. God’s been talking to me about some specific areas lately, and it’s humbling…but, oh the hope that comes when those fears are exposed! Although this faith walk is a journey, I love that He brings reminders and encouragement through others. You, my friend, are an agent of His hope today…:)
Kris says
Ashlie, fear is paralyzing for me too. It has held me back too many times, and I have to live in constnat reminder that God is sovereign over all, and in Him, my fears are wasted energy, lost opportunities,… So thankful for you, my sweet friend!
Caroline says
Kris – Beautiful, as always. I can’t think of a post you write that I haven’t been able to relate to.
God has been teaching me so much about the opposition of fear and faith, too. I love this sentence: “Faith cancels out fear. I learned this recently, and God repeats the lesson it seems almost daily for me lately. ” And those Romans 8 verses are some of my favorite.
Kris says
Thank you for your kindness, Caroline. You are such a beautiful encourager.
Beth Williams says
What does hope look like–a dementia, bed-ridden mother finally dying and going to Heaven. It is having a husband there to console you & be there for you as you grieve the loss.
Hope is knowing that Jesus cares for us and has plans for us-much better than we could ever imagine. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” For me that is hope!
Kris says
Beth. Bless you, friend. My prayers are with you. So thankful for the way you see, for the hope you find in the darkend days of this life. The promises of God found in Jeremiah bring me hope and encouragement again and again! Thank you for reminding me…
mary says
today was a rough day where i felt hopeless and unable to let go of all my troubles to God. then tonight while chatting with a friend about what it means to surrender to God, i found this ‘old’ post smack dab in the middle of my facebook page b/c i had ‘liked’ it when i first read it on the 18th. i wasn’t looking for it…i don’t know how or when i scrolled to it. God spoke to me today through your post.
thank you.