No Shame!

Some people have been embarrassed by what they had placed their HOPE in. Others have been greatly disappointed. Perhaps they had fallen victim to being deceived by a false HOPE. The HOPE of some has been placed in wealth that has vanished. HOPE has been placed in people who disappointed and deserted. HOPE has been poured into plans that have fallen apart. When such things as this occur people have suffered great embarrassment and shame; especially if they had been encouraging others to join them in the pursuit.

In the 119th Psalm we read. . .
"(116) Uphold me ACCORDING TO YOUR PROMISE, that I may live, and LET ME NOT BE PUT TO SHAME IN MY HOPE!" ( Psalm 119:116 ESV)

There can be shame in loss. However, with God we have everything to gain. We can trust Him. We can count on Him to deliver what He has promised. The assurances of God that we have in Christ have nothing to do with the real estate market, the economy, or stability of national governments. God is fully able to do all that He has promised. That was where Abraham centered his focus ( Romans 4:21) and He was neither disappointed nor ashamed.

In referring to the life connected to Christ, Paul encouraged. . .
"(2) Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we REJOICE IN HOPE OF THE GLORY OF GOD. (3) More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, (4) and endurance produces character, and character produces HOPE, (5) and HOPE DOES NOT PUT US TO SHAME, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." ( Romans 5:5 ESV)

We don't have to worry about being humiliated on judgment day because we are in Christ. Though we might be ridiculed for placing our complete trust in Him now, it is those who fail to do so who shall then be ashamed. In Christ we have a guarantee by the Spirit, backed by the faithfulness of the Father. No apology at some point. No embarrassment. No shame. The HOPE will become reality because God is fully able to deliver what He has promised! Because He has promised, we will live! To Him be the glory and praise both now and forevermore!

Have a great day LIVING WITH GREAT EXPECATION IN THE HOPE OF CHRIST!
Carl

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