This past Sunday we launched into what I think is the most life-changing message series we have experienced as a community faith entitled, 100 Life Goals: Creating a Vision for Victory. Beyond record attendance, we had record participation and buy-in and it was overwhelmingly obvious to me that people are hungry and ready to live a life that not only honors God, but is a part of a well conceived vision.
One of the passages of scripture that guided my message this past Sunday was Hebrews 11:1. I was familiar with the passage, but saw it very differently as we prepared to help people create a vision for their lives. The passage, which gives a simple but profound definition of faith, states
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
The question that I could not shake after reading this is… What Do You Hope For?
If faith is being sure of what we hope for, but we have not clearly articulated and defined our hopes, what does this say about our faith? For most of us, we have a very reactionary, shallow type of hope like fueled by statements like,
I hope I have enough money to pay the bills. I hope I don’t get a ticket while speeding. I hope this burger doesn’t make me fat. I hope people like my new shirt and hairstyle. I hope I don’t lose my job.
Here’s the thing…we all have reactionary and shallow hope from time to time, but God is calling us to better define our hopes!
What are you hoping for? Have you thought it through? Have you bathed in prayer? Have you consulted wise people? Have you spent more time planning out your dinner and organizing your iPhone than you have creating a vision for your life?
{ 2 comments }
Dear Pastor Shaun,
I hope to be a bridge to the church for the homeless, mentally ill and the perpetually impoverished.
I recently discovered your site, and love following your story… I hope to be as courageous in my faith as you are in yours!!!
Thank you Pastor Shaun for helping me to redefine my HOPE (FAITH). It is awesome following your Ministry.