November 29

Now the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:13). God is the God of hope; not only of the first seed but also of the whole growth and harvest of it in us. He does not give a saint the first grace of conversion and then leave the completion of it wholly to his human skill.

Be sure you humbly acknowledge God by constantly waiting on Him for your spiritual growth. "The young lions" are said to "seek their meat from God" (Psalm 104:21). God has taught them to express their wants when they are hungry; and by this they have learned that their Maker is also their Supplier. At first a baby expresses his needs only by crying; but as soon as he knows who his mother is, he directs his cries to her.

The Father can always find you, Christian. He knows what you want but He waits to supply you until you cry to Him. Does God care for the beasts in the field? Then surely He will care for you, His child in His house. You might pray for more riches and be denied; but a prayer for more grace is sure to be answered quickly.

Love has a secret yet powerful influence on hope. Moses befriended the Israelite when he killed the Egyptian who had fought with him. And love kills slavish fear-- one of the worst enemies hope has-- and thereby strengthens hope's hand. Whoever pulls up the weeds helps the corn to grow. It is fear that oppresses the Christian's spirit so that he cannot act or hope strongly. "Perfect love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18). The freewoman will cast out the bondwoman. Fear is one of Hagar's breed-- an affection that keeps everyone in bondage who partakes of it.

Love cannot tolerate fear. The loving soul asks, "Can I fear that the One who loves me most will ever hurt me? Fear and doubt, away with you! There is no room for you in my heart." Charity "thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:5).

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