Future and Hope

Many times, when we look at ourselves, we don't see what we can become. But when God looks at us, He sees what we can become by His grace. I often only see what I am currently, and it's usually a pretty negative perception of myself.

When Jesus first saw Simon, whose name in Greek means "reed", He changed his name to "Peter", which means "rock". But did Peter instantly become someone with the characteristics of a rock - solid, stable and unshakable? No, for a long time, he continued to act like a reed that bends every which way the wind blows.

Once, when Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he took a bold step of faith and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Then, as he was walking on the water, he saw the boisterous wind, got scared and when he began to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:28-30) Another time, he said, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33) Then, a few hours later, he denied knowing Jesus not once, but three times. (Luke 22:54-62)

Yet, throughout his reed-like behavior, Jesus kept calling him "rock" until one day, how Jesus saw him began to take root in him. That day, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood up to preach and 3,000 people were saved! (Acts 2:41) Peter had indeed become a rock, a pillar in the early church.

That was how Jesus transformed Peter. And that is how God wants us to change the people and situations in our lives.

God did not tell us to call those things which exist as they exist. What is the point of stating the obvious? It is not going to change anything. No, God tells us to call those things which do not exist as though they did, and they will! (Pastor Joseph Prince) Look at Abraham's story...


That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. (Romans 4:17 NLT)

Abram was given the name Abraham by God. Abraham means "the father of many nations," but Abraham wasn't a father. Therefore, he was mocked and rejected by others because his name didn't tell of his current state; it told of his future. Though others may not have seen it, it didn't seem to discourage him enough to not obey God. So when God tells us what He believes about us, don't let others discourage you enough to turn from God and to not believe His plans for your life.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)