Determined Hope

HEBREWS 6:11-12

I'm “preaching to the choir” when I talk about the importance of thinking right; we all understand the role attitude plays in any successful venture.  Where we drop the ball is in remembering the sheer determination and force of will required for having a good one.

Optimism is a choice — one that is often made in the face of contrary evidence.  When everything looks as bad as it can look, leaders have the tough job of expecting the best anyway, and working toward that end.  This is where optimists are made and leaders are born.  Frank McKinney Hubbard said, “Being an optimist after you've got everything you want doesn't count.”  He has a point:  it's easy for the successful to think big, those who have never experienced major success are taking a big emotional risk by believing the best about the future that God has in store for you.

It's a belief that pays off.  Hebrews says, “We want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of the hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:11-12 NRSV).

Faith and patience.  When the promise seems far off, don't lose sight of it.  Keep believing it.  Keep expecting it.  Let this be the foundation of your hope, let this hope ignite your optimism.  It's a choice you make.