The optimistic heart

Billy Bob was a perpetual candidate for sheriff in a certain Texas town. He would only get a handful of votes, but he campaigned seriously in every election. He knocked on a door to solicit support. “I’m Billy Bob, and I want your vote for sheriff,” he said to the lady who answered. She went into a fit. “You’re the sorriest excuse for a man I’ve ever known, and I know your family, and there’s not a decent person among them. You’re a kook, and nobody in their right mind would vote for you!” Back at his car, Billy Bob, ever the optimist, couldn’t accept her absolute “No!” and wrote by her name, “Doubtful.”

The hope that God implants in the heart of His people isn’t based on a fudging of the facts or a flimsy wish. The New Testament Greek word for “hope” means expectation that the desire will come true, not a 50-50 proposition. In Christ, the hopeful, optimistic heart is an expectant heart.

TODAY’S FOCUS
Ask the Father to align your wishes and desires with His, and you will have ground for expectant hope.