Keep Hope Alive

Nº 251

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 23, 2023

Hope fills the afflicted soul with such inward joy and consolation, that it can laugh while tears are in the eye, sigh and sing all in a breath; it is called “the rejoicing of hope.” (Hebrews 3:6) - William Gurnall

The leadership writer Joseph Batton said, “The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive.” Hope is a powerful force; it can sustain our resolve in the face of enormous challenges and painful circumstances. But when hope is gone, our determination to continue is eroded.

The prophet Micah predicted a daunting reality: his nation would be defeated, Jerusalem destroyed, the temple demolished, and the people demoralized. Beyond that disastrous forecast, Micah prophesied that the people would be exiled out of their Promised Land.

His grim vision of the coming collapse of his nation was tempered with the silver lining of hope. He prophesied, “You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hands of your enemies.” (Micah 4:10b)

With the reality of captivity came the assurance of rescue. With the prospect of enslavement came the guarantee of redemption. Micah’s foreboding prophecy was not the final reality or the complete picture. Beyond their painful circumstance was the hope of rescue and redemption.

The pain of today would love to steal our hope for a better tomorrow. In your difficult situation, never lose sight of God’s hope of rescue and redemption.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc