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In leaning on the words of Romans 5:2-5, KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74 reminds us that in times of despair, it is hope that gives the weak a reprieve, enables life to begin, and brings about great expectations.

Weekly devotional: Hope does not disappoint

Nov. 10, 2022

Ka Ipu o Lono shares weekly devotionals to provide spiritual enrichment to members of the Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana. For more inspiration, visit the KS “Our faith” website.

Heluhelu Baibala
Ma ona lā hoʻi i loaʻa mai ai iā kākou ka hoʻokipa ʻia ma ka manaʻoʻiʻo, i loko o kēia hoʻopōmaikaʻi ʻia, kahi e kū nei kākou, a e hauʻoli hoʻi me ka manaʻolana i ka nani o ke Akua. ʻAʻole ia wale nō, ke hauʻoli nei nō hoʻi kākou i nā pōpilikia; ke ʻike nei, e hana ana ka pōpilikia i ke ahonui; A ʻo ke ahonui i ka hoʻāʻo ʻana; a ʻo ka hoʻāʻo ʻana i ka manaʻolana: A ʻo ua manaʻolana lā ʻaʻole ia i hoʻohilahila; no ka mea, ua ninini ʻia mai ke aloha i ke Akua i loko o ko kākou mau naʻau e ka ʻUhane Hemolele, i hāʻawi ʻia mai iā kākou. – Roma 5:2-5

…through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:2-5

He manaʻo o ke kahu
There can be times in our lives when we face extreme anguish and we don’t know where to turn to. Things seem to be hopeless, and we don’t have the strength or the capacity to continue. That describes Rahab and her situation in life. She was a prostitute who was living in Jericho. Joshua had just taken over as leader of Israel and was setting out to take control of the land that God had promised to them, including Jericho. He sent spies out to check out the state of the enemy. When the spies reached the city, they went to Rahab’s home to seek shelter. The king heard about this and sent his men to demand the spies be brought out, Instead, she hid them and deceived her own people by saying the spies had fled to another area.

When the soldiers of Jericho left, she told the spies of her fear of the Israelite army, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have despaired because of you… When we heard these reports, our hearts melted and no courage remained in anyone any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth below.” Life seemed desperate so she reached out, pleading for help, to be spared. The spies told her, “Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the Lord gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you…when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather into your house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.”

Rahab’s hope lay in that red cord. Per Christian author Mike Bennett, the word cord is from the Hebrew word tiqva, which is most often translated in its figurative sense as “hope” and “expectation.” Hope gives the weak a reprieve. It enables life to begin anew. Hope means a new beginning and great expectations. The writer of Romans noted that challenges preceded hope. Once we get through those difficulties, we see that hope does not disappoint us. Such was Rahab’s dream, to be able to find a hope and a future, not just for herself but also the members of her family. May you be able to stay strong, knowing that on the other side of difficulties is hope. Don’t despair and put out your red cord. Let God help get you through the valleys of life, so you may ascend his hill and rest by his side.


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