Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

HOPE Several years ago, lung cancer threatened the life of entertainer Arthur Godfrey. Godfrey said, "Over the years I've developed a pretty good sense of optimism--even about the weather. 'What a lousy day,' people sometimes gripe. Not me. When you've lived as long as I have, and survived as much, every day you draw breath is borrowed time and, therefore, a great day." Godfrey's attitude was a healthy one because, as writer John Buchanan says, "Without optimism, there can be no vitality." Earthly optimism may relieve some tensions. There comes a time, however, when even this cannot carry man beyond the barrier he faces. This is where spiritual optimism comes in. The Bible calls it hope. Hope is one of the three graces of the Holy Spirit: And now abide faith, hope, love, these three... (1 Corinthians 13:13). While the greatest of the graces is love, hope still has a vital role in the life of the believer. God's Word tells us to hope for three things: God's calling (Ephesians 1:18), eternal life (Colossians 1:5), and the resurrection (Acts 23:6). Believers are to be optimistic. Our lives do not end at the grave. We are assured that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).