Chad and I got on FaceTime with my parents the other night. It was so nice to see them, even if only through the internet. Oh the joys of modern technology!

Chad and I shared about a specific challenge in our lives that at times seems hopeless. When something feels hopeless it is difficult not to dwell on the problem, becoming anxious and overwhelmed with the impossibilities.

My father reminded us that hope protects the mind and faith protects the heart: “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and [as] a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8

He also said, “without hope you cannot have faith, because “faith is the substance of things hoped for…” (Hebrews 11:1)

It begins with hope. My father defines hope as “the expectation of God’s goodness toward me.” It seems easy to believe this for others, but do we believe this for ourselves? Do we trust and believe what God says in His Word about me?

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37

Do not lose your hope, friends, for from it faith is birthed.