HOPE HAS A NAME: It is “I AM”.

Very often I will receive a text message on one of the social media platforms I subscribe to, from an unidentified messenger. Many times, it is a trick to entice me into carrying on a conversation that is less than legitimate. Receiving such messages, I ask the person to “identify themselves”. I might say, “who are you?” or “send me a picture so I can identify you”. Many will respond with fake names; fake photos; and fake conversations. Their purpose is to trick me into engaging with them to buying something of some sort from them. All I need to do is conduct a Google reverse search to call them out. Knowing this I will simply report, block and delete the fraudster. Such false misrepresentation causes me not to trust anyone on social media whom I do not know directly and most often if they are not in my contact list, I will completely ignore their request to connect.

In and through life I find it is becoming increasingly more difficult to know the true identify of people, their motives and intentions, and certainly if they can be trusted. Usually, answers to these concerns are determined not by what a person says but what a person does and how the receiver of such experiences is able to interpret and confirm the integrity of the interactions.

Such is the same for HOPE.

The Israelites were held in captivity for more than 400 years. Their hope was the promise of a “DELIVERER” to come and release them from bondage and slavery. Through circumstance Moses was chosen by God to be that deliverer. But Moses didn’t have the confidence needed to influence the Pharoah into releasing the Israelites, especially based on what God was asking him to do. Moses posed a great question. He knew he needed an influencer, somewhat greater than he, to have any positive impact and outcome. He asked God: “Who do I say sent me?”. God’s answer was a very simple one. In Exodus 3:14, God tells Moses to tell the mighty Pharoah, the "I AM WHO I AM" has sent you. God also said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’

The phrase “I Am” is significant, especially in reference to God. When God introduces Himself as “I Am,” it reveals His eternal, unchanging nature. It assures us that God is ever-present, powerful, and deeply concerned about us. Let us remember that our relationship with God is anchored in His identity as the Great I Am. This aspect of God reassures us that He is our provider, protector, and guide through all seasons of life. Embracing this truth strengthens our faith, helping us to trust Him more fully, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Bing Co-Pilot)

There are other places in the Bible where the words “I Am” are used to give authority and ultimately legitimate hope. For example:

Revelation 1:8 – "I Am the Alpha and the Omega," highlighting God's eternal existence.

Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I Am with you," offering reassurance of God's presence.

John 14:6 – "I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life," emphasizing God through Jesus, as the only legitimate hope.

The only place where legitimate hope can be found is in God. Hope is found only in the “I AM”.

Many years ago, when transitioning between employers, I was working with an executive coaching firm in Toronto. The lead partner asked me if I have developed a manifesto that guides my life, gives me strength and assurance, a hope for tomorrow. I did not. I was instructed to do so and developed the following on which I meditate daily.

MY LIFE PASSPORT

I live my life believing in the existence and sovereignty of a singular God often called either one of Elohim, Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah, or Lord, who is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent.

I live my life believing in a God (the great I AM) who is the Creator of all things that began.

I live my life studying the inspired revelations and truths of the of the Holy Scriptures which is the intellectual manifestation of the mind of God.

I live my life following the teachings and practices of Jesus, Immanuel, who is the human manifestation of God’s character and personality.

I live my life comforted, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, who it the spiritual manifestation of God’s presence.

I live my life as an adopted, a highly favoured, valued and loved child of God whom I fearfully respect.

I live my life abundantly, not discouraged, depressed or even closely defeated, but as an expectant overcomer.

I live my life knowing in myself I am not perfect, but as one focused on exemplifying my faith as best I can.

I live my life to help others, to do unto them as I would want them to do unto me.

I live my life knowing I might/will physically die but will have eternal spiritual life because of God’s love for me.

I live my life seeking the practical wisdom of God that will give me blessing and fulfillment.

I will continue to live my life as one being in this world but not part of it or manipulated by its culture.

In God is absolute truth, legitimate hope. God provides knowledge, understanding and counsel. My faith, my hope, is built on nothing less. It is in God alone, the I AM, whom I trust.  

I pray you do not lean on the fallacies of this world to seek hope, purpose and fulfillment, but you will find legitimacy for your life in the I AM, who has created and purposed us to live life abundantly.

Merv