December 6

Hebrews 10:23

²³ Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.

Continue to Trust God

by Xavier Dawes

During this time of year, it is common to reflect on the position some of us are in and the goals that we have set for ourselves for the year. Many focus on the improvement of physical health, mental health, professional advancement, and a genuine place of stability. In this position where wonder and thought grow strong, it is easy to feel that you’re in holes of failure or that you’re not as accomplished as you have “hoped” for. 

I sometimes find myself comparing my achievements, grades, and job opportunities to other students in a heart of disappointment, for I believe God has called me for more, and I simply am failing and falling short. What started as a small thought has snowballed into an overwhelming sensation of worthlessness and imposter syndrome. It is this lack of hope that begins to taint the mind and soul that lives within each of us. It becomes a world that seems so dark to the naked eye that once used to be so hopeful when it was only Jesus at the center. 

But what is this state of being that we call “hope?” Today, hope can be said to be a positive and optimistic feeling or expectation that something good will happen or that a difficult situation will improve. It may be a fundamental human emotion that plays a crucial role in motivating people to pursue their goals and dreams, even in the face of challenges and adversity. Hope can be credited with providing a sense of purpose, resilience, and the determination to overcome obstacles. Hope can be examined in numerous ways, but how are we discovering it in Jesus? 

In Hebrews 10:23, the word commands us to “hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” It is in these times of pain, grief, and failure, that we shall stay strong in our faith that God has his hand on our lives and is actively directing us on the paths that he makes straight. For we know in Jeremiah 29 that He has plans for success and not failure for our lives, and it is our resolve to cast all worries unto him as he remains our fortified fortress through all circumstances. 

Although it can seem like nothing is going right in the world today, stay steadfast in God’s promise to you and his many children of the world. Countless times, God has made a way where there seemed to be no way, and all that he commands is for us to trust in him. Let us be reminded of the Good deeds that God is doing and is continuously doing in our lives during this Advent season. Lean on Him and His word as times get hard. Have faith and hope that he will deliver you and place you on your feet so that you can walk into the life that he has called upon you. Join me as we strive to walk by faith and not by sight for the remainder of the year. 

About the Author

Xavier Dawes

Xavier Dawes serves his Baylor student community as a Student Regent on Baylor University’s Board of Regents. He is a junior electrical and computer engineering major, minoring in data science and mathematics. He plans to work in the aerospace and defense industry upon graduation. 

Dawes serves as the vice president for Baylor’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and he serves as an office assistant for the advisors of Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. Mr. Dawes’ favorite verse is Joshua 1:9, and he attends church at Antioch in Waco.