He Whispers Courage

"In his great mercy he (God) has given us
new birth into a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
I Peter 1:3 (NIV)

By God’s providence Pastor Reeder’s recent two year sermon series through the book of 1 Peter prepared us pastorally for our current season of suffering long before the corona virus pandemic occurred. 1 Peter’s themes can be summarized with 3 S's: suffering, submission, and service. Peter's letter to these new Christians is written against the backdrop of intense persecution and suffering. John Piper, speaking on the message of 1 Peter says, "Woven throughout the book of 1 Peter is a condition of heart and way of life that only makes sense if you are rock solid sure of a reward beyond this life." Indeed, the word "hope" is a sacred echo, a golden thread that weaves its way throughout all five chapters of this little New Testament book.

Biblical hope is very different from what the world defines as hope. When our culture uses the word "hope," there's usually an element of wishful thinking, an uncertainty concerning whether or not something will happen or come to pass. Right now most of us are hoping for an end to the corona virus pandemic and a quick return to life as we knew it pre- Covid 19.  Most parents are hoping for school to start with a return to in person classroom instruction. A number of people are hoping for jobs after unexpectedly losing their job due to the pandemic. Small business owners are hoping to keep their businesses from going under. Sports fans are hoping for the return of baseball, basketball, and football. All of these “hoping for” issues, while understandable, are very uncertain.

By contrast, Biblical hope is a confident expectation and eager anticipation that the object of our hope is a certainty. The Christian's living hope is based on the reality of Christ's resurrection and the character of God. The writer of Hebrews described biblical hope as both an anchor and a lifeline when he penned these words, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:19) 

At the 2016 Gospel Coalition Women's Conference (TGCW16), Christian hymn writers Keith and Kristen Getty introduced the 7000 plus attendees to a hymn of hope written by fellow composer Stuart Townend.  The song There Is a Hope immediately captivated me from the first moment we sang it. I have needed its lyrics over the last few weeks as we’ve witnessed the callous murder of George Floyd; experienced unbelievable national civil unrest, riots, and violence; and suffered the loss of an innocent 8-year old boy who was gunned down while on a shopping trip with his mom at the Galleria.

Added to all of that suffering, we have the continual news cycle of negative politics; systemic racism accusations; record unemployment; a staggering national debt; economic uncertainty; the “cancel culture;” and an increasing number of Covid 19 cases. It’s no wonder we’re all a little weary and discouraged. Looking at our circumstances, it all seems so hopeless. But a Christian's hope is never in the next presidential election or which political party controls Congress. Peter tells us unequivocally that our "faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:21) 

No matter what circumstances we are facing this week, may Stuart Townend's words encourage and strengthen us today. My favorite line is "through present sufferings, future's fear; He whispers "courage" in my ear." I don't know about you, but I can use a good dose of courage as we continue to care for and nurture a special needs adult son.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head
A consolation strong against despair
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit
I find the Savior there
Through present sufferings future's fear
He whispers courage in my ear
For I am safe in everlasting arms
And they will lead me home.

As Christians we have a living hope, not in ourselves or in our circumstances, but in our God. He reigns and rules and is never surprised by our suffering or circumstances. All of our suffering is first filtered through our Father’s hands. Wherever we are today, through present sufferings and future fears, may God whisper courage in our ears.  As we by faith take that courage, may “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10) 

Strong, firm and steadfast for God’s glory!