It is not uncommon my friend
To go through a perilous situation
And to utter an “I hope so”
As wishful consolation.
“I hope so” is simply a case
Where there is no genuine hope:
A word of sympathetic encouragement
Just to help someone cope.
It is almost with resignation
That “I hope so” comes into play
But there is no assurance for better
As one nears the end of day.
“Tell me, this advice that you give,
Will it really work?”
“I hope so” comes the reply
Sometimes even from experts.
Imagine the woman in the Bible
That had the issue of blood!
Think of the “I hope so’s” she had:
More than anyone should.
From Doctor A to Doctor B
Consultant C and Consultant D
Specialist E and Specialist F
“I hope so” and more money.
I trust you have gotten the point
That I am at pains to make:
There is no hope in “I hope so”
So, do not make this mistake.
Certain hope on the other hand
Is a different kettle of fish,
It carries a definite assurance
That means far more than a wish.
Like God’s promise of salvation
Guaranteed by God himself
As opposed to some conman’s offer
With lots of ill-gotten wealth.
Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life,
Which God, that cannot lie,
Promised before the world began;
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope,
And the glorious appearing of the great God
And our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Titus 3:7
That being justified by his grace,
We should be made heirs
According to the hope of eternal life.
These references are not consecutive
But they read as though they are,
Not “I hope so” but certain hope
Guaranteed and not marred.
Not a Lotto hope as in the lottery
Where only a relative few will win
But a certain hope that’s in Christ Jesus
Now that we are saved from sin.
It is not a hit or miss scenario:
Not a shot fired off in the dark,
It’s a Holy Spirit guaranteed assurance
That is settled in a believer’s heart.
Some teach we cannot know:
Theirs is most definitely, “I hope so”
But here and now we can definitely know
And make our calling and election sure.
Stewart Russell © May 15, 2021
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