The Tenacity of Christian Hope

By Dr. Ferdinand Johnson

Edited By: Carla M. Brown, BSBA, MM-HRM

A fragile economy, growing pressures, and changing times may seem just enough to push many people over the edge. Yet modern day Christians face countless trials with unshakeable confidence. Experiencing a barrage of spiritual challenges firsthand, Dr. Ferdinand Johnson (Senior Pastor and Founder of Redemptive Life Ministries) shares intimate insight on the tenacity of Christian hope. He then encourages the Body of Christ with the blessings of hope through standing on biblical promises, cultivating healthy relationships, and leading by example.

What Christians Really Want to Know...

Is hope really biblically based or a product of wishful thinking/ emotions that get carried away? 

The word “hope” in the Bible comes from the Greek word “elpi” transliterated to “elpsis”. Occurring 53 times in the King James Version translated as “hope”, it is also translated once as “faith”. The root meaning is “to anticipate, usually with pleasure”. It additionally conveys “possessing joyful and confident expectations” or having an optimistic attitude. Hope is a byproduct (or result) of patience and experience.“...And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost... (Rom. 5:1-5). Hope is not only discussed in the Bible, it is one of the benefits made available to believers through the Spirit of God that emphasizes what we have to look forward to.

How can we afford to have hope when people let us down? Where should the hope be directed?

As Christians, we must never lose hope – because our hope is in Jesus Christ. The solid confidence we have in Him transcends [even the darkest] trials and tribulations (Rom. 15:13). I have personally experienced a lot of disappointments, including emotional attacks, confusion, distrust, and more. We must recognize that these (and many others) are strategies of the Enemy, and he consistently uses such tactics to undermine our faith.

Nevertheless, it is imperative that we continue to fulfill our calling to Christ (Heb. 10:35-39). By trusting and forgiving those who hurt us, we emulate the teachings of Jesus. This creates spiritually healthy relationships in the Body. At Redemptive Life Ministries, our approach directly contributes to winning souls and building a church of love, joy, restoration, and the joy of true freedom in Christ (I Pet. 3:15). Christians’ undying hope in Him is reflected in our prayers, actions, and lives. This brings about God’s joy and peace (John 14:27; 15:11)

How does having hope as an individual impact someone else who may or may not believe? 

Christian optimists have a tremendous impact on both fellow Christians and non-believers (Heb. 10:23-25). Who wants to be a part of something that seems bleak, pessimistic, and hopeless? The best sermon a Christian can preach starts with the testimony of his or her life (Mat. 5:14-16). A sermon of actions can impact people for Christ when words may not. When others see how Christians carry themselves according to the Word, God is glorified. God didn’t guarantee life would be perfect on Earth, but He has given us the purest resource from which we can gain strength to overcome any obstacle – the tenacity of Christian Hope. If you haven’t already, try Him today. He’ll be waiting...

To learn more about Dr. Ferdinand Johnson or Redemptive Life Ministries, email: redemptivelife@aol.com

Redemptive Life Evangelistic Outreach Ministries

7418 Lodge Gate Ct.
Richmond, TX. 77407

281-220-0800