There’s the old tale of the man who fell down the stairs, got up, brushed himself off, and said, “I’m glad THAT’S over!” In other words, he believed fate determined his accident. The inevitable happened. So, why have hope? The dice were rolled; chances were that something was going to happen to him. And it did. Some would call it a “crap shoot…” or, the cleaner version would be: a risk, or a gamble.

Faith, on the other hand, is our response to God’s loving invitation to covenant with Him in relationship. By doing so, hope enters and sets our focus on His purpose for our lives. Hope assures us that all things work together for good, “for those who are called according to His purpose.” [Romans 8:28] This holy alliance strengthens our souls, while He invites: “Let us contend together.” [Isaiah 43:26]

“The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” [Daniel 11:32] A bold and daring feat for the Living God cannot be done without faith that He is the divine Orchestrator and the One who empowers us through hope.

Faith supposes that the thing that we’ve hoped for will happen. Not only that, faith believes that it is legally paid for; and, through prayers of faith, has already manifested in the spiritual realm. “Now faith IS…” [Hebrews 11:1a] We have the right to ask for it because God’s Word is forever true and amen! Therefore, confidence is set, whether or not I have yet to see physical evidence.

A belief system based on fate eradicates the reliance on purpose and divine intent. Faith rests solely upon God’s ultimate unfolding of our destiny.

Thank God it’s NOT over!