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Romans 15:4 NIV
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Additional Scripture References:
Proverbs 18:4, Proverbs 13:12, Matthew 26:38, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 119, Hebrews 6:19, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 5:3-4, Matthew 6:34, Romans 15:13, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Ezekiel 22:30, Ezekiel 46:9
Do you see the cup as half empty or half full? It’s all about perception. The same experience can be seen two different ways – that’s how hope works. For some, it’s a promise; for others, it’s just wishful thinking. We often toss the word hope around lightly – “I hope it doesn’t rain,” “I hope I pass the test.” But real hope isn’t casual or uncertain. In Greek, elpis (el-pece) means confident expectation, a steady trust in God’s faithfulness.
Faith and hope go hand in hand: faith believes God can, hope is expectant that God will. All of scripture was written so that we might have hope, not hope that fades, but hearts that are hope-full.
Hope is the confident expectation of future blessings from God
Hope in God keeps you steady when life gets dark. Even on calm days, a boat can drift, not because of storms, but because of subtle currents. The same is true for us. You don’t need chaos to drift; complacency will do it. Hope is the anchor that keeps you grounded; from drifting into despair, from floating away in fear, from being pulled by the current of culture.
For your additional study: Hebrews 6:19 NIV
Hope isn’t stagnant; it’s alive and grows. Like a seed, our hope is not buried to die, it’s planted to grow. It’s cultivated in the soil of endurance and watered by the Word. Even when life feels heavy, God is using the pressure you may be under, pain you may be experiencing, or disappointment that may be weighing on you, to grow something within you.
For your additional study: Romans 5:3-4
Reading, meditating on, and obeying the Word of God fills our hearts with hope. As we allow His Word to anchor us in truth and grow us through pressure, that same hope begins to flow through us – bringing encouragement and strength to those around us. We don’t just have hope, we hope in Jesus. He is the anchor, the source, and the overflow of our hope. Faith says, “I’m confident.” Hope says, “I’m waiting with expectation, knowing He’s always on time.”
And even when Heaven feels silent, remember: silence is not absence. The teacher is always quiet during the test. God is still working in the waiting. You can’t have faith without hope. And as you stay rooted in God’s Word, you’re reminded that every promise He’s spoken still holds true. When hope anchors you, it grows in you, and when it grows, it flows through you. Because our hope isn’t an idea. Our hope is alive, and His name is Jesus.
Hope is not automatic, it’s something we have to contend for. Be encouraged this week, when life feels heavy; hope still holds.
Come ready to discuss this next crew week!
As you reflect on Sunday’s message, here are some guided prayers and scriptures you can use over the next week. If you're looking for ways to grow deeper in this specific area, let these words cover, challenge, and encourage you along the way.
God, when life feels uncertain, steady my heart. Help me to anchor my heart in You alone. Remind me that just because I may not see you working or hear you speaking doesn’t mean you’re not working. Teach me to trust that you’re working in the waiting.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
Father, help me to see how you’re growing hope in me. Let my surrendered perseverance build character and character build hope. Water my heart with your Word, and let your promises take root and strengthen me from the inside out.
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 NIV
Jesus, use this pressure I’m under to produce purpose within me. When I’m feeling buried, remind me that I’m not buried, I’m planted. Let your Word take root in my heart and help hope to grow in every season.
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" Romans 5:3-4
Holy Spirit, fill me with the overflowing hope by the power of your Spirit. Don’t let hope stop with me, but let it fill every conversation and every space I enter. Use my life as a reminder of your faithfulness and goodness.
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Need a midweek reset? Join us every Wednesday at VOUS Miami Gardens and VOUS Design District in the Prayer Room for an incredible hour of prayer starting at 12PM. Make it part of your weekly rhythm!
Where: VOUS Miami Gardens and VOUS Design District
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Join us for Vision Sunday! Pastor Rich & DawnCheré Wilkerson will be sharing vision and marching orders for the year ahead. Be sure to invite your friends & family and get in the room!
For more information on Vision Sunday, click here
Team Night is happening on Wednesday, November 12th across all four VOUS locations starting at 7:00 PM!
Whether you’ve been serving for years or are just getting started, your presence matters. Team Night isn’t just for a specific team or department, it’s for our locations to come together as one cohesive team and move forward as one.
Sign up for your location below:
SoMi | City | Miami Gardens | Design District
Are you interested in leading a crew? Click here to fill out an application to become a crew leader in SZN 1 2026!
You don't want to miss the chance to hang with us at VOUS High Nite on Wednesday, November 5th @ 7PM, a night for the middle and high school community of VOUS Church.
We'll be hosting a Parent Hangout during VHN – an opportunity to get to know other parents in our community. Dinner provided.
To RSVP for VOUS High Nite, click here
To RSVP for the Parent Hang, click here
Where:
VOUS SoMi @ One City Church | 6750 Sunset Drive
VOUS Miami Gardens | 17801 NW Second Ave
Make Thanksgiving special for a family in need by serving at our annual Thanksgiving Bash, a morning of distributing hundreds of meals to families in our community and watching teams compete for the VOUS Bowl Title in our spirited 7-on-7 flag football tournament.
To donate a meal kit online, click here
To serve, click here
Date: Saturday, November 22nd
Time: 11:00AM
Location: Charles Hadley Park
Join us bright and early at Peacock Park for the VOUS 10K Turkey Trot! Start your Thanksgiving with fresh air, great friends, and all-around fun! We’ll see you at the starting line!
Sign up for the Turkey Trot, click here
Date: Thursday, November 27th
Time: 6:00AM
Location: Peacock Park
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
