4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [simple_tooltip content=’3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’](Romans 5:3-5)[/simple_tooltip]
There was a time in my life when I believed God could miraculously supply my need because that’s what His Word promised [simple_tooltip content=’And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’](Phil. 4:19)[/simple_tooltip]—even though I had never yet experienced such provision. However, the day came when I not only believed it, but my faith actually produced tangible results. I experienced what I believed.
That did something for me. I can’t say it made me believe because I was already believing. If I hadn’t believed, I wouldn’t have received [simple_tooltip content=’5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;’](James 1:5-7)[/simple_tooltip]. However, it strengthened my faith by giving me new hope. Before, my hope was that it could happen. Afterwards, my hope became that it would happen again and again. After seeing His provision many times, I’ve come to expect that God will always provide. Experiencing God’s supply has generated new hope in my heart.
In the heart of someone who has consistently experienced God faithfulness, there abides a strength and depth of hope that a novice can’t understand or appreciate. A person who has already built a home has a confidence and security that a first-time builder can’t understand. They may be able to duplicate the performance of the seasoned builder or even exceed it, but experience gives the veteran a definite edge.
There are no shortcuts to experience, but as the old saying goes: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Put God’s Word to the test today, and begin enjoying the wonderful benefits of increased hope.
