Superheroes – Superpowers
Superheroes. Superpowers. Super strength. Super speed. Men and women acting just in the nick of time to save the day, averting disaster, and restoring order.
Marvel. DC Comics. Anime.
In most cultures, there is an affinity towards superheroes. Why? Maybe because deep within us, there is a desire fueled by the fact we were created in the image of GOD. Maybe?
Could it be that, as believers in Christ, we all have access to a superpower? Yes, you and me.
I submit to you that “hope” is a superpower. Indulge me, please.
Challenges, trials, and crises are inevitable as we walk through life on planet earth and as believers, the FATHER did not promise that we would have a trouble-free life. He said HE would never leave us.
Hebrews 13:5
… For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
We see the same promise in the Old Testament in Isaiah
Isaiah 43:1-4
1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.
Hope in the LORD is our superpower.
We see HIS beloved Jacob had to traverse high rivers and flames. Jacob was not spared trials and we as believers are in Jacob. The trials come, but HE is right there with us in the middle of the trial, even the fiery ones (Daniel 5:19-28). The challenge arises when we take our focus off of Christ during the trial. And I don’t know about you, but my focus tends to shift to me when things heat up.
As soon as my focus shifts to me, I miss out on the opportunity to develop the character, grit, and hope mentioned in Romans.
Romans 5:3-5
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [a]perseverance; 4 and perseverance, [b]character; and character,
hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
When my focus shifts to me, my character, grit, and hope tend to atrophy, and the opportunity to garner hope is likely lost. And the loss of hope is one of the most significant losses.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
“Let us not grow weary” or said a different way, “let us not give up hope”. I submit that “hope” in the LORD is our superpower. The only way not to lose heart is to maintain a measure of hope.
Paul said GOD’s strength is perfect in our weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9) A superpower enables a person to do something(s) that every day average humans cannot. GOD’s strength enables us to walk through things that we otherwise would not be able to endure.
In the midst of a trial, we must hold on to our hope. Romans 5:5 states that hope does not disappoint.
Hope is our superpower. That makes you a superhero in HIM.
Go out and be great because you ARE great!
