Hope That Holds
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
Hope is one of those words we use often, but in Scripture it carries far more weight than wishful thinking. The world says, “I hope things get better,” but the Bible speaks of a confident expectation rooted in the unchanging character of God. When Paul calls Him “the God of hope,” he reminds us that hope is not something we manufacture—it is something God gives. And not just a little, but something we can “abound” in, even when life feels uncertain.
There are seasons when hope feels distant. The burdens are heavy, prayers seem unanswered, and the path ahead is unclear. Yet it is in those very moments that God invites us not to look around, but to look up. Hope is strengthened “in believing.” As we trust Him—His promises, His timing, His goodness—He fills our hearts with joy and peace. This is not circumstantial peace, but a settled assurance that God is still working, even when we cannot see it.
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role here. True, lasting hope is not sustained by human strength, but by divine power. When we feel empty, He fills us. When we feel weak, He strengthens us. When we feel like giving up, He gently reminds us that our hope is anchored beyond this world. No storm can shake what God has secured.
When your heart feels discouraged, choose to place your confidence in God’s promises rather than your present circumstances. Let your hope rest in Him today.
"It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man." — Psalm 118:8
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This Week's Radio Program
Week Forty-Five • November 8, 2026
What are you Seeking? (Part 2)
In this message, "What are you Seeking? (Part 2)," Pastor Burns explains how many people search for meaning and purpose in all the wrong places. Just as Solomon sought fulfillment in worldly success and great wealth only to find it vanity and vexation of spirit, listeners will learn that true answers cannot be found in dead works, rituals, or philosophies.
Turning to John 20, listeners will hear how Mary Magdalene went to the tomb searching for Jesus and discovered that He had risen. Pastor Burns shares how the reality of Christ’s resurrection provides eternal life, encouraging everyone to choose life, since Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life."
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