If You Don’t Get Your Hopes Up, Your Faith Won’t Work

If You Don’t Get Your Hopes Up, Your Faith Won’t Work

Foundational Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) – "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, asking for Your guidance as we delve into Your Word. Teach us how to align our hope with our faith, that we may see the fullness of Your promises manifest in our lives. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and Redeemer. Amen.

Introduction

Hope is the foundation on which faith is built. If hope is absent, faith has nothing to hold on to.

Hebrews 11:1 shows us that faith and hope are intertwined—faith is the confidence of hope. Without hope, faith becomes ineffective. Today, we will examine the critical relationship between hope and faith and how one cannot function without the other.

Context of Hebrews 11

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage believers facing persecution to remain steadfast in their faith. Chapter 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith," highlighting individuals who trusted God despite challenges. The opening verse sets the tone, teaching us that faith starts with hope and moves toward action, even when the outcome is unseen.

Main Points

1. Hope is the Vision; Faith is the Vehicle (Proverbs 29:18)

Explanation: Hope gives us a picture of what could be; it allows us to envision God’s promises. Without hope, faith lacks direction.

Illustration: A GPS system works only if you input a destination. Hope is that destination. Without it, the GPS of faith is meaningless

Application: Begin each day with hope rooted in God’s promises (Jeremiah 29:11). Write down what you’re hoping for and align it with Scripture.

2. Faith Activates What Hope Anticipates (Romans 8:24-25)

Faith is the action that moves us toward the fulfillment of hope. Hope waits expectantly, but faith steps forward confidently.

Illustration: Imagine a farmer who hopes for a harvest. His hope is pointless unless he plants seeds (faith).

Application: Take actionable steps that align with what you’re hoping for. For example, if you’re hoping for healing, immerse yourself in prayer and Scripture that affirms God’s healing power (Isaiah 53:5).

3. Hope Anchors; Faith Overcomes (Hebrews 6:19)

Explanation: Hope is described as an anchor for the soul, keeping us steady during life's storms. Faith helps us move forward despite adversity

Illustration: Ships stay anchored during storms, but once the waters calm, the anchor is lifted, and the ship sails forward.

Application: When life’s storms come, cling to hope as your anchor, and let faith propel you forward after the storm passes. Trust God’s timing and process (Isaiah 40:31).

Supporting Scriptures

Lamentations 3:21-23: Hope arises when we recall God’s faithfulness.Romans 15:13: God is the source of hope, filling us with joy and peace as we trust Him.Mark 5:36: Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Hope drives out fear when coupled with faith.

Closing Illustration

I heard a story about young tender named Lovevett, who planted a seed in her backyard.

Every day she hoped it would grow, but she didn’t just wait—she watered the soil, removed weeds, and ensured it had sunlight.

Weeks later, a beautiful flower bloomed. Her hope gave her the vision, but her faith in action made it a reality.

God has placed seeds of hope in our hearts. Our faith must water them, our trust must nurture them, and our actions must align with His promises.

Faith and hope are inseparable. If you don’t get your hopes up, your faith won’t work because faith is the confidence of hope fulfilled. As believers, we must let hope inspire us and faith move us. Trust God with the unseen, knowing that He is faithful to His promises.

What are you hoping for today? Surrender it to God in faith. Step out, trusting that the One who promised is faithful to complete His work in you.

Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the gift of hope that anchors our soul and the faith that activates Your promises. Teach us to trust You fully, even when the outcome is unseen. May our hope in You grow stronger, and our faith in Your Word guide every step we take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.