Misplaced Hope

Romans 5:2-5Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

2 We have also obtained access through Him by faith[a] into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

As I mentioned in my last post, pain has a specific purpose, which can often be preparation for uplifting others in the future. But we can also see from this passage in Romans that pain is for our own benefit; pain produces endurance, proven character, and hope that will not disappoint.

"This hope" that comes from God will not disappoint because God is for us, and He is faithful. However, there is a hope that disappoints us--a misplaced hope.

Here's what a misplaced hope looks like:

• You buy a new car to impress your friends. When you get behind on your car payments, you can't afford to spend money out with your "friends," whom you tried to win over with your pride and joy.

You misplaced your hope in possessions.

• You neglect your lifelong friends and family, in order to spend time with (the new) love of your life. So when you find out that he doesn't value you as much as you value him, you realize that you built your own bridge between yourself and the ones who actually cared for you.

You misplaced your hope in relationships.

• You move your family to a new location to get a raise for your job. Weeks later, the company cuts back your hours. Now you are making less money than when you were surrounded by family, friends, and a strong local church.

You misplaced your hope in wealth.

• Your parents divorced. Your ex is spreading rumors about you. Your grades are dropping. You figure that the only way things won't go wrong for you is if you end your life.

You misplaced your hope in death.

Here's what my misplaced hope looked like:

• After three years of pain, I decided it was time for some different treatments. Successful treatments that would rid me of my pain forever. I made my mind up to try one specific treatment, and I anticipated it for months. When the day finally came for the treatment, my parents and I drove (early in the morning) to the doctor's office, which we left shortly after. For several reasons, we determined that this treatment would not be most effective at the time and place. I was so upset with God for not relieving me of my pain through this treatment.

I misplaced my hope in medical treatment.

Had I placed my hope in God, I never would have considered that treatment. A few months ago, I found out that the treatment would have caused a tremendous amount of pain and could have messed up my ability to walk for the rest of my life. Ultimately, God knows best, even when I don't understand.

Because God has already given me salvation from my sins, I can trust Him for my eventual healing.

"He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us. We have put our hope in Him that He will deliver us again." 2 Corinthians 1:10