HOPE

The Christian faith uniquely, staggeringly, answers our deepest cries with a who. 

Hope, as it is presented to us in Scripture, is the anchor for the soul. It is not primarily rooted in the events of the future—the promises of God as they unfold—although of course it encapsulates that also. Hope is rather anchored in the person who holds the future, and by his word and power, upholds and guarantees it. --Tanya Walker, Slice of Infinity

CELEBRATING THE SAINTS, PART V

"As the Scriptures instruct us, we are encouraged by the example of the saints who have gone before us in the faith, who are with the Lord & now rest from their labors (Rev. 14:13). We are strengthened by their fellowship in the Body of Christ, so that we do not grow weary or lose heart but 'run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder & perfecter of our faith' (Heb. 12:1-2). With those who have suffered for His name's sake in the past, we also are conformed to the image of His cross, so that we might know Him & the power of His resurrection (Phil. 3:20). For by the evidence & testimony of so great a cloud of witnesses, we learn to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in all the saints & the surpassing greatness of His power to all who believe (Heb. 12:1; Eph. 1:18-19).