Page 51 - Ephesians

What’s the hope of our calling? You say it’s the second coming of
Christ. No, it includes that, but it’s more than that. He’s not
talking about the second coming of Christ when He says, “That
they might see the hope of their calling.” Let me try to put it
into one simple sentence, then say a word or two about it.

I believe it can be summarized in these words, “Everything I
have to look forward to, in time and eternity.” That’s the hope
of our calling. Sometimes it’s hard to see how all things are
working together for good to those who love God. That God, has
a purpose in everything. We lose a job, or get sick, or we
backslide. We lose a loved one. We are mistreated, or we
become the victims of gossip and slander. We walk down the
street, and get bitten by a dog or lose our wallet. How does it all
tie in? Let me play a game with you. Would you be thrilled if God
would suddenly open your eyes, and show you how all things fit
together? How all things, that come into your life, work together
for good. And conform you to the image of His Son.

If He told you the reason you tripped over that stone, or the
reason for that fire. Why that book came your way, or you heard
something on the radio. Would that thrill your heart? Let’s say
that He opened your eyes even wider. He not only showed you
the purpose for everything. But showed you the reason you are
going through it. I’ll tell you what, if He were to do something like
that, you’d have reason for hope, wouldn’t you?

That’s the hope of your calling. He opens your eyes to that by
faith. He doesn’t show you why you tripped over the stone, or
why the dog bit you. He gives you the principle, (His character),
and says, “All things work together for good”. “Lord, open
their eyes that they might know that everything in time and in all
eternity, is designed to conform them to the image of Christ.
Show them that.” What would that assurance do in your life?

You are bound to be characterized by hope if your eyes are open
to that