Thinking About Hope - Teaching Material

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment (2 Timothy 1:7). This verse invites us into a profound understanding of our spiritual reality. Imagine a child standing at the edge of a diving board, heart racing, contemplating the leap into the cool, inviting water below. The fear of the unknown holds them back, but deep within them is a yearning for adventure, for the thrill of the splash, for the joy of swimming. In that moment, the guidance they need comes not just from their own resolve but from the encouraging voice of a parent urging them to trust and take the leap.

As believers, we often find ourselves at similar spiritual diving boards—facing uncertainty, trials, or daunting calls to action. It is easy to become paralyzed by fear, convinced that we are inadequate or unprepared. Yet, Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that we have been equipped with a spirit of power, agape (selfless love), and sound judgment, not to retreat but to advance into hope-filled action.

When we embrace this truth, we begin to see faith as a journey marked by trust. The divine power at work within us empowers us to step forward, just as that child musters courage to jump. So, let us lean into this promise: our hope is not a passive wish; it is an active response to God’s faithful guidance. As we trust in His love, we discover that hope is not merely a feeling but a strong foundation for every leap of faith we are called to take.