Hope Has a Name: Jesus

 “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me. 
So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

Have you ever misplaced your keys? It’s so frustrating. You're running late, the kids are impatient, and nothing is going according to plan.

Imagine misplacing something far more important than your keys - your hope.

When we place our hope in anything or any person, including our children, we get stuck.

It’s time [for us] to get unstuck and embrace our true hope: Jesus. He is not a fleeting hope or a wish but a rock-solid anchor for our souls. Here are three ways hope in Jesus can encourage us today:

1. Jesus is our life.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Especially in parenthood, it can feel like we’re always pouring out our time, energy and love. Sometimes it leaves us wondering, Who am I outside of being a parent? But your life isn’t defined by the roles you play or what you accomplish. You are defined by the One who saved you and lives in you. When you feel empty, remember that His life in you is abundant and never-ending.

2. Jesus is our love.
In Galatians 2:20, we are also reminded that Jesus loves us and gave Himself for us. The King of the universe chose to die for you, breaking the power of sin and opening the floodgates of forgiveness. His love for you is beyond measure, an unending fountain that never runs dry. Jesus will never turn His loving heart away from you.

3. Jesus is our significance.
In a world that measures success by Instagram likes, spotless homes and perfectly behaved kids, it’s easy to feel like you aren’t enough. But Jesus flips that script. If God gave Himself for you, think of how precious you are to Him.

Don’t underestimate the significance of your daily faithfulness. Verses like 2 Timothy 1:5 show us that the consistent love of grandmothers and mothers can teach children the Christian faith: Paul wrote to Timothy, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also”.

Lois and Eunice were so lit up with love that the embers of grace became a burning flame in Timothy.

Don’t misplace your hope in temporary things. Cars will break down, kids will test your patience, and life will be beautiful and terrible. But Jesus is your unshakable hope. He is your life, love and significance.

Your hope has a name, and His name is Jesus.

 

Heavenly Father, empower us to live anchored in the unshakable hope that has a name - Jesus. In the Holy Spirit’s power, may our lives be lit up with love. In the powerful name of Jesus, our hope, we pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Derwin L. Gray
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"