By Matt Martens
I have been thinking quite a lot about the concept of hope recently. In this season of life for us as fellows, as in this era of modern society for humanity at large, there are a lot of things that compete for our hope. Often, we mistakenly, yet consciously, put our hope in jobs, spouses, and families to come. This is how the world has conditioned us. Subconsciously, we place our hope in financial security, comfort, and peace. But these things all eventually fail to measure up. When we don’t get the job we want, face financial difficulties, or hear of the latest manifestation of evil in our broken world, misplaced hope can lead us to a place of deep sorrow. I do not mean to say that we shouldn’t pursue these things, because they are all good things. But I am learning to be careful about what I treat as the source of my hope.
When I was in high school my grandfather, a man who I admired more than anyone else at the time, passed away. I remember hearing of his passing and feeling how I imagine a balloon that slips out of your hands would feel as it shoots across the room— deflated and chaotic. I was not serious about my faith at this point in my life, and the hope found in Christ was not something I knew. Luckily, the story goes on. The service at grandpa’s funeral included the classic hymn On Eagle’s Wings. In the chorus, the song says that the Lord will, “Raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” In the moment, I was too overcome with emotion to process the beauty of this truth. Thankfully, the Lord has used this experience repeatedly since that day to remind me that He is the not only the source of all blessings, but the only source of lasting hope, and he holds me in his hand!
It can be easy to lose sight of this lasting hope. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12). As I live my life, I need to constantly remind myself that the hope in things I work so hard for are only dim reflections of the coming revelation of Christ— a day when mourning and crying and pain will be no more.
Nearing the end of our time as Fellows, there is much to be done. We are looking for jobs, applying to schools, and considering the paths we may take. I am so thankful for a program that comes alongside us in this process, and constantly pushes us back to the hope found in the faithfulness of our Lord. I pray that you would rejoice in this hope, and I ask that you do the same for us.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” - Hebrews 10:23
PICTURES FROM THE WEEK
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and we've got visitors!
Celebrating George's birthday at Commons
Fellows recently had a silent retreat to spend time in stillness and contemplation
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About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
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