Hope Dealer

Earlier this year, I went to a writer’s conference where I was asked to examine “what I do” to identify themes across all of my jobs. As I examined my roles as counselor, educator, and international member care coordinator I realized the common tread is hope — I am a hope dealer.

I joke to my friends when people ask what I do for a living, I am going to say, “I am a hope dealer.” So far, I haven’t gotten quite that bold, but it has caused me to think more about hope. Scripture tells us hope does not disappoint. I have clients who would disagree, because despite their hope circumstances did not turn out the way they had hoped. This scripture isn’t implying hope is the assurance of getting what we ask for, but that better days are ahead. For believers, we know the end of the story. We will spend eternity in Christ. Our hope lies in knowing one day all that is wrong will be made right. Sin and suffering will eventually be eliminated.

How does this hope help us in the everyday? Well, it helps me to keep perspective. Are the things I worry about eternal? Will they matter 5 or 10 years from now? Often the answer is no. I find hope in knowing God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and that he is good and he is sovereign. Because of his goodness and his omnipotence, I can trust him — even when I don’t understand.

Our hope is not in vain. We hope because we serve a risen Savior. He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). When circumstances appear bleak, may we focus on the personhood of God and not on our situations.

Paul writes in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This is my prayer. May we overflow with hope, joy and peace.