3 Things Hope in Jesus Changes

While change in general tends to create anxiety for most people, we all have some areas we would love to see changed. Past mistakes for example, or perhaps a current difficult situation. Though such things may feel “hopeless”, placing our Hope in Jesus has the power to change everything: even our past.

Placing our Hope in Jesus changes our perspective on how we view our past failures, present struggles and future fears.

In many cases without realizing, we place our Hope in the wrong place. Viewing the people around us, or the newest coping skill often lead us down a road promising hope but ending in frustration, disappointment, or sadly even worse circumstances.

Just past the half-way point in my One Word journey, Hope lessons abound, speaking deeply into my life. I created a special page on my blog where all my Hope posts live, please take the time to acquaint yourself with the wonders of my journey with this magnificent word.

Hope in Jesus Changes My Perspective on the Past

Attending a mindset webinar recently opened my eyes to the power of the stories we tell ourselves (and others) about our past. The speaker demonstrated through their own life and that of their brother how two siblings raised in the exact same environment can hold two entirely different perspectives on the same past incidents.

While one viewed past hardships as challenges which made them stronger, the other viewed the exact same hardships from a victim mentality, blaming others for their situation.

Placing our Hope in Jesus changes our perspective of the past as He heals and redeems the brokenness for his good purposes.

The scandalous healing of the woman with an issue of blood for twelve years (Luke 8:42-48) illustrates her complete Hope in Christ resulting in not only her physical healing, but a complete identity change.

What was once known as the past of a broken, outcast of society, became a whole, beloved daughter. Her story contained past brokenness, but Hope transformed broken to beautiful.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Psalm 42:11

Hope in Jesus Changes My Perspective on the Present

If the story I speak concerning my past is one of bitterness, hopelessness, learned helplessness, or excuse making, in essence I blame God for my hardships.

Which leads to me judging how God may or may not work in my present situation by my perspective on my past.

But if I place my Hope in Jesus, He then shifts my focus from what others are doing or failing to do, to what He is doing within me.

Instead of seeing only the problems, I now see the potential for a Hope-filled situation through God’s promises.

Hope in Jesus Changes My Perspective on My Needs

As I intentionally place my Hope fully in Jesus, He redeems my past, transforms my present, and helps me see in every situation, He is enough.

Drawing near to the Presence of God, my self-focus, self-pity, and vain expectations for my life become evident. Resting my supreme happiness in my own efforts or the changing of a difficult situation reveals a misplaced Hope.

Because when those expectations go unmet, my Hope dwindles, leaving me disillusioned and hopeless once again. But placing my Hope solely in God, always leaves me in the firm grasp of His unfailing love, even if all my expectations fail.

Where once I believed having my expected outcomes fulfilled my needs, I now understand Jesus is all I need.

For as He redeems the broken parts, the Light of the glorious gospel shines through those same broken places as a testimony to His surpassing power of redemption.

Simply put, nothing in this world compares to the God of the universe, Source of all Hope who invites me into intimate fellowship and healing.

Brand NEW Resource!

Introducing my “Hope in hard Times Guide” designed with YOU in mind!

A devotional collection of encouragement and inspiration for living courageously in troubled times. Quieting the mind while reducing anxiety and worry with each section.

The purpose of this guide is to equip you with a better understanding of true Hope.

Each section is designed to invite you deeper into biblical Hope, while strengthening your heart and providing you with practical ways of living Hope in hard places. Ultimately nurturing intimacy with the only source of True Hope; Jesus Christ

If you are a member of my Serenity in Suffering Compassionate Community, head over to the Resource Library to grab your FREE copy! If you are not a member, sign up below for instant access to my NEW guide!