What brings me hope
Understanding the goals of hope
Photo submitted
By Rosalind Tompkins
Special to the Outlook
“How do you process hope when the outcome makes you feel hopeless?” That was a question posed by one of the participants in the latest Hope Immersion Retreat Workshop hosted by Marilyn Todman, Ph.D. in Atlanta, Ga. That framed a powerful discussion as another participant asked the question, “How do you have hope after multiple rejections?”
These questions get to the heart of hope and why it is important to understand the goals of hope. Another participant stated that it is sometimes easier to give hope to others but difficult to possess hope for yourself. I can certainly relate to that and that is why hope has to be intentional as we give hope out of the overflow of our hearts.
One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is Romans 15:13 that states, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hope that comes from the heart is very powerful. When we experience hope and the benefits of living a hopeful life, then we can authentically share that hope with others.
Another participant asked, “How can you have hope when the outcome is connected to science?” I answered that question with a quote from world renowned scientist Albert Einstein who famously stated, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Hope is especially needed when you are facing facts that seem to be insurmountable. I know that it is always better to keep hope because I have experienced and seen many examples of God moving in situations that appeared to be hopeless.
Oftentimes we mistakenly believe that hope is always tied to the outcome of receiving what we are hoping for. That is one of the greatest misunderstandings of hope. In order for hope to be beneficial it has to be connected to the person who has the hope and not the outcome. In other words, the outcome whatever it may be is always received with hope for the future. That is infinite hope that keeps the possibilities open no matter what happens.
Goals for hope:
Hope is needed to keep faith alive.
Hope is the outcome no matter what happens.
Studies reveal that hopeful people excel in life, live longer, and live well.
For more information, please visit www.hopeimmersionretreat.com.
Rosalind Tompkins, Ph.D. is author of “As Long As There Is Breath In Your Body, There Is Still Hope,” and other inspirational books. Tompkins is also founder of Turning Point International Church, the Chapel of Mothers In Crisis. She’s also founder of Turning Point International Alliance with ministries and churches in Pakistan, Nepal, Eswatini, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and St. Vincent in the West Indies.
