Devotionals

Our hope is in Christ

by Susan Barnes 
02/23/18
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"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." 1 Corinthians 15:19

When we look at the pressures Paul was under during his life we can understand what he means. He received 39 lashes on five occasions, was beaten with rods on three occasions, was stoned, was shipwrecked three times, spent 24 hours in the open sea, and had been constantly on the move. He was in danger from rivers, bandits, from his own countrymen, from Gentiles and from false brothers. He had gone without sleep, food, drink and had been cold and naked as well as having the pressure of his concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). If Paul’s hope wasn’t in Christ, and the knowledge that one day he would be with him, which is better by far (Philippians 1:23), then he probably wouldn’t have been able to endure all this suffering.

The world hopes that tomorrow will bring better circumstances but the Christian hopes in Christ, and in Christ alone. Psalm 62:2,5 tells us that, "He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken ... my hope comes from him."

Tomorrow may not bring better circumstances. Tomorrow certainly didn’t bring better circumstances for Paul. He spent a great deal of time in jail and was martyred for his faith. However, if our hope is in Christ and we know that one day we are going to be with him forever, we can live confidently today and face whatever tomorrow may bring.