Courageous Disciples, Week 3, Day 4

From It Takes Courage – Part 1: Courageous Disciples

Armored Discipleship: Hiding Behind Cynicism Daring Discipleship: Modeling Clarity, Kindness and Hope

Read

The theological concept on display in Romans reminds us that the core of our identity as followers of Jesus is this: we are a people of hope.

Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is made up of three parts and it can be learned. Goals, pathways, and agency are the three primary components to hope. Find any passage of scripture that explores hope and you’ll find parallels between CR Snyder’s research and Scripture.

Want to be a daring disciple who lives and leads with hope? Hope involves intentional thinking about goals, combined with the acumen to achieve those goals (agency) and the perseverance to navigate any detours or roadblocks (pathways).

When we have a goal in mind, the acumen to get there and the perseverance to navigate obstacles and setbacks, we experience hope. And here’s the good news: you have the power to choose hope. It can be learned. Doing so will empower you to live as a daring disciple. Additionally, hope is the antidote to despair. How does despair show up in our lives? Often as cynicism and sarcasm. (Head back to Day 1 of this week for a few examples of cynicism and sarcasm.)

Reflect

Pause and consider if you’re living with hope.

Hope is made up of three things: goals, pathways, and agency. Use these questions to consider if you’re living with hope: Where do you want to go? Will you be persistent? Do you believe you can do it?

Clarity around each of these will help you be a person of hope. Explore more about the hope and the hope cycle here.

Respond

Today, practice being clear and saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Do so with kindness. Then, live into being a person of hope.

Pray

Jesus, you are my hope. Thank you for guiding me on this journey and helping me to navigate life’s obstacles so I can stay centered on you and the promise of your hope. Use me today to be a person of hope in the midst of a hurting world. Amen.

Return

Use a notebook to record your responses. Share your celebrations in the comments below.

How did you do today?

Were you clear and kind?
Did you say what you meant and mean what you said today?
Where did you practice hope? (Are you clear about your goals, pathways and claiming agency?

Extra Thoughts

If you haven’t taken a moment to review the “Overview of It Takes Courage” please do so. You’ll find a few tips that will help you start this journey.

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