Hope is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. The Apostle Paul ranked it in the top three God-given qualities that are eternal: "Faith, hope, and love abide, these three..." (I Cor 13:13)

So, how do we hang on to hope no matter what? First of all, we must ask God to give us his hope and to help us see life through his eyes. Our perspective is often limited and short-sighted, but God sees the big picture. After he created the universe, God said: "It is good!" Even though sin entered the world, God had a plan to redeem the world. God always has a plan. He is the eternal optimist who seems to specialize in turning even the worst situations around for our good. (Rom 8:28)

Second, we need to stop focusing on problems and watch for solutions. The Enemy will always point out the negative and try to get us to give up. Satan will remind us of our past mistakes and invite us to condemn ourselves; if we let him, he will get our eyes off Jesus and convince us that our situation is hopeless. Nothing could be further from the truth. We Christians are children of the most high God. With God on our side it doesn't matter who is against us. We are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ - he has already won the victory.

Finally, we must trust God to do what we cannot. If we rely on our own power it is easy to become discouraged. There are many things in life beyond our control, but nothing God can't handle. Paul said, "Whenever I am weak, then I am strong." (II Cor 12:10) Many times when the glass seems half empty, it is only because God plans to fill it to overflowing as we trust him. When asked about the man born blind, Jesus said this happened so that a work of God could be performed in him. Do we trust God to work through our weakness?

Why not ask God to give you his perspective, tell Satan to take his negativity and get lost, and then trust God to turn evil into good? Hope in God and watch to see what he will do. He will not disappoint you. God has great things in store for you - beyond anything you can imagine!

- William Kuntz, M.S., Christian Life Coach / www.NewBeginningsCoaching.ws