For the first time in seventy-one years the Chicago Cubs are playing in the World Series. The life of a Chicago Cub fan is unique because of the sustained hope we possess in the midst of seemingly endless suffering. There is one thing I can say about Cub fans and that is that we have never given up hope. At the conclusion of each year without a World Series victory, you can hear fans across the country saying, “Wait ‘til next year”; still holding on to the hope that our team will one day prevail.
The hope of Cubs fans can be likened to the hope of Christians. Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope. The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. Christian hope is promised to those who follow Jesus. Hope, which is given to us by God, enables us to persevere during difficult and tumultuous times in our life. If Cubs fans can endure the hardships of continual disappointment and continue to be zealous and passionate about their team, shouldn’t Christians be willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ and for eternal happiness with Him?
As the Apostle Paul says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:5
The hope that we have in Christ is eternal and guaranteed. Let us follow the example of Cubs fans and continue to persevere always looking forward with hope.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
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