Strong Hope and Action Can Make Your Dream Come True

Strong Hope In Action Can Make Your Dream Come True
By Pastor Alexander Redd
Info@gracioushopefellowship.com
July 20, 2023
 
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

With a strong hope in Christ, we are encouraged to endure and persevere in pursuing our dreams. However, it is important to understand that hope alone is not enough. We must complement our hope with action and utilize the physical abilities, skills, and gifts God has bestowed upon us.

Many individuals claim to pray and hope in Christ, but they fail to take the necessary steps to accomplish their dreams. They may need more motivation or effort to apply themselves physically. It is essential to recognize that faith without works is dead. We can only expect our dreams to come true if we are willing to put in the required effort.

Just like the Israelites had to leave their tents to receive manna sent from heaven, we, too, must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and take action. God has blessed us with physical bodies and intelligent souls, and we are responsible for utilizing these gifts to live well and pursue our dreams.

So, let us have a firm hope in Christ and be willing to put in the necessary work to make our dreams a reality. May we not be idle but instead actively pursue our dreams with faith, determination, and the physical abilities and gifts God has given us.

One example of someone who had to make an effort to accomplish their goals while praying and hoping in the sovereign Lord is the story of Nehemiah. In the book of Nehemiah, we read about how Nehemiah had a burden to rebuild the destroyed Jerusalem walls. He prayed and sought the Lord's guidance, but he also took action by approaching the king and requesting permission and resources to carry out the task. Nehemiah's faith and hope in God were complemented by his physical effort and leadership skills, which ultimately led to the successful completion of the wall (Nehemiah 1-6).

Another example is the apostle Paul. Paul faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout his missionary journeys, but he relied on his hope in Christ and worked tirelessly to spread the gospel. In his letters, Paul often encourages believers to live out their faith and actively serve God. He writes in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," reminding us that our own efforts and actions should accompany our hope in Christ.

Furthermore, James, the brother of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of faith combined with action in his letter. In James 2:14-17, he challenges believers who claim faith but do not show it through their actions. He writes, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" James reminds us that true faith should be demonstrated through our works and efforts, not just empty words.

While prayer and hope in Christ are essential, they should be complemented by our physical efforts, skills, and gifts. The examples of Nehemiah, Paul, and the teachings of James remind us that faith without action is incomplete. We must actively pursue our dreams and goals, trusting in God's guidance and strength as we work toward them.