In a life where difficulties and challenges seem unending, our living hope in Jesus Christ is the only anchor that keeps us amid all the storms of life. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1:3-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In 1 Peter 1:3-5, Peter exhorts the believers that we have a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hope in Christ is not hope of uncertainty but hope that prevails against all that life may bring for we are kept by the power of God.

The enemy is wrestling tirelessly with the body of Christ to oppose God’s will in the earth; the salvation of souls, divine purposes from being fulfilled, God being glorified in the earth. This wrestle has rendered many to become weak, broken, tired and some have lost hope.

Since as believers we carry in us this great living hope that keeps us and assures us for a greater glory in Christ Jesus, we have also been called to carry and share this living hope to those who are hopeless, weak, weary, and tired.

The living hope we have in Christ Jesus is the source that fuels our faith. As Hebrews 11:1 states Now faith is thesubstance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Our hope is the confident expectation we have in God and desire for the manifestation of God’s good will in the future. Our hope steers our focus in pursuing God’s will.

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2 NLT

Paul in Galatians 6:1-2, gives a clear description of how as believers we can offer ourselves to one another as vessels of hope to equip the body of Christ.

Hope of Restoration

Hopelessness in life leads many to become captives of sinful acts. Sinful acts like addictions, many other self- sabotaging acts. Life becomes unbearable for such individuals and the true joy of living becomes nonexistent in their lives. As a believer and a vessel of hope, God’s word calls us to help such individuals gently and humbly turn unto the right path of God. Through interceding for people in prayer, words of encouragement, offering support where needed, all with the guidance and leadership of the Spirit of God, God will use us as vessels of hope to restore hope in the lives of the hopeless.

Hope of God’s Faithfulness and Provision

Financial difficulties, issues in marriage, career, children, ministry, and all aspects of life can become a heavy burden in the lives of people that can make them lose hope in life. As vessels of hope, we are called to share in the burdens of others so that we can alleviate the weight it places on them. Our generosity in deeds and offerings, godly counsel and healing presence during difficult times can be the seed of hope that helps our brothers and sisters press through the difficult times of life.

Here are some of Scripture verses to soak in as we strengthen ourselves in our hope in Christ Jesus that we may be able to offer ourselves to others as vessels of hope.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus – Philippians 1:6

But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.-Psalm 9:18

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:5

Beloved in Christ, let’s always remember that our hope in Christ replenishes itself and overflows by being a vessel of hope to others.