For What May I Hope?

Today I would like to say a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Your gifts make this ministry possible!

German philosopher Immanuel Kant, tells us that there are three questions that humanity has always been asking: “What can I know? What shall I do? And for what may I hope?” It is this third question that hits right at the heart of our faith. For what may I hope? 

Maybe you’ve wondered about hope watching the news this week. Maybe you’ve wondered about hope if you’re struggling in a relationship, or if you are worried about your job or your finances. Maybe you’ve wondered: for what may I hope?

In the book of Jeremiah, God asks the question: Is anything too hard for me?

Biblical scholar, Walter Brueggemann, makes the claim that this really is the fundamental question. And every one of us must answer it, not lightly or easily. Because how we answer determines everything else.

I pray for you the faith of our scriptures – that you would come to see that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Not that God is going to give you everything you desire. No. But, that God has the power to bring about a surprising future – a radical reversal of the present reality; and that no matter what your situation, God is with you. That is our hope. 

Let us pray: Merciful God, it is often only looking back that we see how you bring beauty and strength and new life even out of the darkest situations. In this moment, grant us faith to claim your promise that all things are possible with you. May this hope be ours. And in light of this hope, may we have the courage and the power to live differently. Amen.