Optimism Fueled By Faith, Hope, And Love

We began this week reflecting on whether we are “doughnut or hole” people.  Throughout these days we’ve been building sweet and nourishing dough around the holes of our lives as we’ve reflected on faith, hope, and love that is grounded in God being for us and with us. 

Doughnuts have dough and holes when they are first cut from dough but they don’t look good or taste good until they’ve been fried in hot oil or baked in a hot oven.  In the most famous “love chapter” of the Bible, which is often read at weddings and other places of commitment, we find these three qualities “cooked together” as they endure through many circumstances.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT)

Life early in recovery is filled with many challenges.  However, our reason for optimism at this difficult time is that God is good and His love is faithful.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  (Psalm 118:1 NLT)

When life is challenging, God assures that we can endure:  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (! Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

No matter how challenging our current situation is, our hope is built on the fact that God has many wonderful things yet to come.  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  (James 1:12 NLT)

Faith, hope, and love, are the fuel for a positive and optimistic outlook in my life today.

©2015 Partners in Hope