In the 90’s, when my wife, Wendy, and I were learning about hope, we heard this great quote by Francis Frangipane: “Any area of your life that doesn’t glisten with hope is under the influence of a lie and that area is a stronghold of the devil in your life.” Romans 15:13 confirms that quote: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Increasing hope is the evidence that the renewal of the mind is happening with truth instead of lies. Decreasing hope is the evidence we are renewing our minds with lies instead of truth. 

As we were processing these revelations about hope, we felt like God said to us, “Steve and Wendy, your hopelessness about a problem is a bigger problem than the problem.” Our lack of “glistening hope” about a situation (a relationship, habit, nation, etc.) within our lives is almost always a bigger problem than the problem itself. Romans 12:2 does not say, “Be transformed by trying harder or getting a better plan.” I’m all for ideas, plans, and wisdom from God, but most of the limitations and lack of breakthrough in our lives comes from believing something wrong, not doing something wrong. 

We might perceive that our past is the problem. We certainly don’t dismiss the fact that past traumas and pain can be a great challenge to us, but our past can’t stop us (only our belief systems and conclusions about the past can). Or maybe we say our problem is the people in our lives who are limiting us. Again, we don’t discount the effects of negative people, but two of my favorite Bible characters testify to us we can overcome this. David had a dad who did not believe in him, brothers who belittled him, and a king who tried to kill him; but he still fulfilled his call (1 Samuel 16:10-13; 17:28; 24:1-2). Joseph fulfilled his dream and destiny even though his brothers sold him into slavery, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of rape, and the chief butler forgot him (Genesis 37:23-24; 39:7-23; 40:23).

The real problem in most of our “problems” is the lack of hope we have. This is something Wendy and I have learned personally, and are still growing in. I remember going to Wendy before with a challenging relational situation and she said these words: “What do you need to believe to have hope about this?” This is one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves. Understanding what the real problem is will help press us into the real solution. What do you need to believe to have hope about your situation?

Our ministry, Igniting Hope, helps us remember to focus on the important things. This is it, this is the real problem: the lies that are creating our lack of hope.