Love Hopes All
While faith and hope are closely related, they have distinct roles:
- Faith refers to trust in God’s character and His promises.
- Hope looks ahead, focusing on the future fulfillment of those promises.
Think of anticipation like the famous Heinz Ketchup commercial: "Anticipation is making me wait!" The slow pour of the ketchup makes us eager, building excitement. It’s not immediate, but the wait is worth it because we know something good is coming.
In the same way, hope is like that anticipation. We may wait for God's promises to unfold, but we can be confident that what is coming will be more than worth the wait.
In the same way, hope is like that anticipation. We may wait for God's promises to unfold, but we can be confident that what is coming will be more than worth the wait.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (a)
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.
The Story of Hope: Christ’s Return
The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is not wishful thinking or a vague desire for something to happen—it’s a firm assurance about what is still to come, even when the full picture is unclear or unknown.
The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is not wishful thinking or a vague desire for something to happen—it’s a firm assurance about what is still to come, even when the full picture is unclear or unknown.
Big Idea: Hold On To Godly Hope, It's The Foundation of Anticipation
Tell the story from the moment Israel gets His Promise . . .
What was Josephs Hope?
When Issac Blesses Jacob (Israel)
Genesis 27:29
“Surely, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field Which the Lord has blessed. 28 Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven, Of the fatness of the earth,
And plenty of grain and wine. 29 Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you.
Be master over your brethren, And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!”
What was Josephs Hope?
When Issac Blesses Jacob (Israel)
Genesis 27:29
“Surely, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field Which the Lord has blessed. 28 Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven, Of the fatness of the earth,
And plenty of grain and wine. 29 Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you.
Be master over your brethren, And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!”
When Joseph shared his dreams, Jacob (Israel) responded with:
Genesis 37: 10(b)-11
“What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Why did Jacob keep these words in his heart?
Because Jacob understood the significance of the blessing God had given him, and he recognized that God's promises were unfolding in ways he couldn’t yet fully comprehend. Joseph’s dreams were not just the musings of a young boy; they were a reflection of God's divine plan.
Joseph's hope rested in the promise of God, a promise that was passed down from Abraham to Isaac, and now to him. Despite the puzzling nature of the dream, Jacob knew that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected ways. He knew that Joseph’s dreams were part of a much larger story—the fulfillment of God's covenant and His promise to make a great nation from Israel.
Genesis 37: 10(b)-11
“What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Why did Jacob keep these words in his heart?
Because Jacob understood the significance of the blessing God had given him, and he recognized that God's promises were unfolding in ways he couldn’t yet fully comprehend. Joseph’s dreams were not just the musings of a young boy; they were a reflection of God's divine plan.
Joseph's hope rested in the promise of God, a promise that was passed down from Abraham to Isaac, and now to him. Despite the puzzling nature of the dream, Jacob knew that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected ways. He knew that Joseph’s dreams were part of a much larger story—the fulfillment of God's covenant and His promise to make a great nation from Israel.
Joseph’s Journey: A Story of Hope
Joseph’s journey unfolds through a series of pivotal moments:
- His Brothers Sold Him into Slavery (Genesis 37)
- Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39)
- The Cupbearer and the Baker (Genesis 40)
- Pharaoh’s Dreams, and Joseph’s Appointment as Second-in-Command (Genesis 41)
- Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brothers (Genesis 45)
This progression reflects the unfolding of Godly Hope, a hope that does not fade in the face of hardship, but grows stronger in every challenge.
The Progress of Godly Hope:
The Progress of Godly Hope:
- Purpose in the Pit: (Not the direction I would choose)
- Steadiness in Slavery: (Potiphar’s Wife—A Distraction)
- Forgiveness in Famine: (Truth Revealed)
- Wisdom in the Wait: (He Ruled Them)
The Progress of Godly Hope: Purpose In The Pit
Joseph brothers wanted to kill him . . .
Gen 37:19-22
Then they said to one another, "Look,this dreamer is coming!
20 "Come therefore and let us now kill him and cast him into some pit . . .21 But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.”
22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.
Gen 37:19-22
Then they said to one another, "Look,this dreamer is coming!
20 "Come therefore and let us now kill him and cast him into some pit . . .21 But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.”
22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.
For Joseph, there was protection in the pit.
The pit was more than just a place of despair—it became a place of divine protection. It gave Reuben the time to formulate his plan, but it also gave God the space to begin unfolding His greater plan. It was in the pit that Joseph was positioned for his journey to Egypt, where God's promises to Israel would ultimately be fulfilled.
Right now, some of you may feel hopeless, wondering, "Why am I in this pit?"
The pit often feels like a place of isolation and confusion, but it can be a place where God's plan is quietly taking shape. Just like Joseph, we don’t always understand the purpose behind our struggles, but we can trust that, in His perfect timing, God is working to fulfill His promises for us.
The pit isn’t the end—it’s part of God’s process to move us toward our purpose. Keep trusting, because what may seem like a setback is often the very place where God is preparing something greater.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
The pit was more than just a place of despair—it became a place of divine protection. It gave Reuben the time to formulate his plan, but it also gave God the space to begin unfolding His greater plan. It was in the pit that Joseph was positioned for his journey to Egypt, where God's promises to Israel would ultimately be fulfilled.
Right now, some of you may feel hopeless, wondering, "Why am I in this pit?"
The pit often feels like a place of isolation and confusion, but it can be a place where God's plan is quietly taking shape. Just like Joseph, we don’t always understand the purpose behind our struggles, but we can trust that, in His perfect timing, God is working to fulfill His promises for us.
The pit isn’t the end—it’s part of God’s process to move us toward our purpose. Keep trusting, because what may seem like a setback is often the very place where God is preparing something greater.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
The Progress of Godly Hope: Stay Steadfast In The Slavery
Genesis 39:7-12
7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” 10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside
7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” 10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside
We know that Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph, leading to him being thrown into a deeper prison. Despite his integrity, Joseph faced unjust consequences. But here lies the Hope in Christ: Stay steadfast no matter the situation.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
This steadfast love for God in every circumstance brings glory to Him!
Joseph's resilience demonstrates the power of living with integrity, no matter the trials we face. While we can’t always control the events that come our way, we can choose how we respond.
When we remain faithful during difficult times, God's favor shines through. Integrity and faithfulness have the power to open doors, even when it feels as though life has trapped us in a prison of challenges.
Joseph's resilience demonstrates the power of living with integrity, no matter the trials we face. While we can’t always control the events that come our way, we can choose how we respond.
When we remain faithful during difficult times, God's favor shines through. Integrity and faithfulness have the power to open doors, even when it feels as though life has trapped us in a prison of challenges.
The Progress of Godly Hope: Forgiveness In Famine
It took time for Joseph to reach this point, with many tests along the way.
Despite the betrayal of his brothers—who had sold him, thrown him into a pit, and deceived their father into believing he was dead—Joseph ultimately chose to forgive them. Even after learning the depths of their lies, he found the strength to extend grace.
Genesis 45:1-7
Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. 3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Despite the betrayal of his brothers—who had sold him, thrown him into a pit, and deceived their father into believing he was dead—Joseph ultimately chose to forgive them. Even after learning the depths of their lies, he found the strength to extend grace.
Genesis 45:1-7
Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. 3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Joseph’s Forgiveness was an example of Christ’s Forgiveness.
Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers forshadows the ultimate forgiveness that Jesus would offer. Just as Joseph forgave those who wronged him, Christ calls us to forgive others in the same way.
In Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus responds: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
This teaching goes beyond a simple count; it’s about cultivating a heart that consistently forgives, no matter how many times we're hurt.
When we forgive "seventy times seven," we form a powerful, life-changing pattern of forgiveness. It becomes a way of life, continuously shaping our hearts to mirror Christ's boundless grace and mercy. This ongoing practice transforms us, making forgiveness a natural response to offense, just as it was for Jesus.
Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers forshadows the ultimate forgiveness that Jesus would offer. Just as Joseph forgave those who wronged him, Christ calls us to forgive others in the same way.
In Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus responds: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
This teaching goes beyond a simple count; it’s about cultivating a heart that consistently forgives, no matter how many times we're hurt.
When we forgive "seventy times seven," we form a powerful, life-changing pattern of forgiveness. It becomes a way of life, continuously shaping our hearts to mirror Christ's boundless grace and mercy. This ongoing practice transforms us, making forgiveness a natural response to offense, just as it was for Jesus.
The Power of Forgiveness Is the Progress of Godly Hope
Joseph’s story teaches us that forgiveness isn’t simply about letting go of past wrongs; it’s about trusting in God’s sovereignty and embracing the process of reconciliation.
Forgiveness frees the heart from bitterness, opening the door to healing. It brings peace to our own souls and paves the way for the restoration of relationships—just as it did for Joseph’s family—and the fulfillment of God’s greater plan. While forgiveness can be difficult, especially when the offense runs deep, Joseph’s example shows us that it is ultimately an act of faith—faith in God’s justice, mercy, and His ability to work all things for good.
Joseph’s decision to forgive was rooted in his understanding of God’s greater plan—the “hope” he found through his trust in God’s purposes.
As we face our own challenges, let us remember Joseph’s example and choose forgiveness. In doing so, we acknowledge that God is in control and has a good, redemptive plan for our lives.
Joseph’s story teaches us that forgiveness isn’t simply about letting go of past wrongs; it’s about trusting in God’s sovereignty and embracing the process of reconciliation.
Forgiveness frees the heart from bitterness, opening the door to healing. It brings peace to our own souls and paves the way for the restoration of relationships—just as it did for Joseph’s family—and the fulfillment of God’s greater plan. While forgiveness can be difficult, especially when the offense runs deep, Joseph’s example shows us that it is ultimately an act of faith—faith in God’s justice, mercy, and His ability to work all things for good.
Joseph’s decision to forgive was rooted in his understanding of God’s greater plan—the “hope” he found through his trust in God’s purposes.
As we face our own challenges, let us remember Joseph’s example and choose forgiveness. In doing so, we acknowledge that God is in control and has a good, redemptive plan for our lives.
The Progress of Godly Hope: Wisdom In The Wait
22 Years—From the Age of 17 Until Joseph Reunited with His Father After Being Sold into Slavery.
It’s hard to imagine the journey Joseph endured. Yet, despite the uncertainty and the hardships, he remained faithful to the dream God had given him. He didn’t know exactly how it would all unfold, but Joseph stayed the course with wisdom and perseverance.
When his father passed, his brothers feared that Joseph would finally seek revenge. But notice the wisdom he displayed in this moment. Despite the pain they had caused him, Joseph chose forgiveness, understanding that God’s plan was greater than any personal grievance.
It’s hard to imagine the journey Joseph endured. Yet, despite the uncertainty and the hardships, he remained faithful to the dream God had given him. He didn’t know exactly how it would all unfold, but Joseph stayed the course with wisdom and perseverance.
When his father passed, his brothers feared that Joseph would finally seek revenge. But notice the wisdom he displayed in this moment. Despite the pain they had caused him, Joseph chose forgiveness, understanding that God’s plan was greater than any personal grievance.
Genesis 50:15-21
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph Had All the Power, Yet He Fulfilled the Promise Made to His Father, Jacob (Israel).
After enduring years of hardship and testing, Joseph finally stood in a position of power. And in that moment, he fulfilled the promise made to his father. Even after he was reunited with his family, Joseph lived for 71 more years, seeing God's purpose unfold.
Just as Joseph’s life exemplified God's purpose, so too does Scripture remind us that God has a plan for each of us. We may plan, but ultimately, it is God's purpose that prevails.
Romans 5:5
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
While we are called to plan, it’s essential to remember that God's purpose will always guide us. Even in moments of uncertainty, His plans for us are filled with hope, prosperity, and a future. Keep trusting in His divine plan.
After enduring years of hardship and testing, Joseph finally stood in a position of power. And in that moment, he fulfilled the promise made to his father. Even after he was reunited with his family, Joseph lived for 71 more years, seeing God's purpose unfold.
Just as Joseph’s life exemplified God's purpose, so too does Scripture remind us that God has a plan for each of us. We may plan, but ultimately, it is God's purpose that prevails.
Romans 5:5
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
While we are called to plan, it’s essential to remember that God's purpose will always guide us. Even in moments of uncertainty, His plans for us are filled with hope, prosperity, and a future. Keep trusting in His divine plan.
You are a work in progress, so let your life reflect Godly hope. It would be a shame not to display the very essence of who God is.
Hope focuses on the future fulfillment of God's promises. As Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
So, ask yourself: How is your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Hope focuses on the future fulfillment of God's promises. As Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
So, ask yourself: How is your relationship with Jesus Christ?
God sees your potential in the pit you find yourself in—what you may view as slavery, as being bound. But you will never truly see it until you surrender.
Right now, I ask you to examine your relationship with Jesus Christ—and make it public.
Why publicly?
Every person Jesus called, He called publicly.
Jesus hung on the cross publicly.
He called one of the most evil men, Saul (who became Paul), publicly.
He called His disciples publicly.
And now, He calls you publicly. Will you confess Him before others?
Jesus said, "If you acknowledge Me before men, I will acknowledge you before My Father. But if you deny Me before men, I will deny you before My Father."
Please, don't harden your heart. The Scripture warns, "He who hardens his heart will fall into calamity." There may never be another opportunity to come to Christ.
Scripture says, "Today is the day of salvation." Why wait?
You are in the right place at the right time.
Right now, I ask you to examine your relationship with Jesus Christ—and make it public.
Why publicly?
Every person Jesus called, He called publicly.
Jesus hung on the cross publicly.
He called one of the most evil men, Saul (who became Paul), publicly.
He called His disciples publicly.
And now, He calls you publicly. Will you confess Him before others?
Jesus said, "If you acknowledge Me before men, I will acknowledge you before My Father. But if you deny Me before men, I will deny you before My Father."
Please, don't harden your heart. The Scripture warns, "He who hardens his heart will fall into calamity." There may never be another opportunity to come to Christ.
Scripture says, "Today is the day of salvation." Why wait?
You are in the right place at the right time.
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
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