ONE MAN’S HOPE

November 27

Bible Reading: Acts 27:13-26

Acts 27:25, “So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

Hope, as the term is used in Scripture, refers to a “favorable and confident expectation” and concerns that which “has to do with the unseen and the future” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of OT and NT Words).  It differs from the common usage in our vernacular because Biblical hope contains no element of doubt.  We might say, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow,” but lacking any guarantee that hope cannot be deemed a “confident expectation.”

Biblical hope is sourced in God himself and is founded on His promises.  Its assurance lies not in the favorable winds of happy circumstances, but on the goodness and faithfulness of God.  Paul’s shipmates, encouraged by the south wind that blew gently, set sail (Acts 26:13).  But favorable winds soon turned to a lethal northeaster.  So, it is in life.  Circumstances in life are random and unpredictable.  To base one’s hope solely on the fair winds of today is to lose all hope in tomorrow’s tempest.  That’s what happened to the crew of Paul’s vessel, when at last they abandoned all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20).

Paul’s hope was anchored to God and his sure promises.  Paul belonged to and worshipped God.  And God sent an angel to reassure him that he would stand before Caesar, and thus survive the doomed voyage (Acts 27:24).  Not only that, but God also reassured Paul that the lives of his shipmates would be saved.  That God “granted (Paul) all those who sail with you,” presupposes that Paul must have prayed, asking God to spare their lives (Acts 27:24).

Paul told the crew to take heart.  His encouragement to them was not based on some fickle weather report or because he had a rabbit’s foot in his pocket.  His hope rested instead on the reliable promise given to him by God.  Likewise, the believer’s hope is well founded in the reality of who God is and the sureness of the promises He’s made.  There are few guarantees in life, but God’s promises hold true 100 percent of the time.  Hope in Jesus serves a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19), that holds no matter the storm.  You’ve been blessed to possess such a hope, and when troubles come, it’s good to remind others of its source.

To base one’s hope solely on the fair winds of today is to lose all hope in tomorrow’s tempest.

STANDING ON THE PROMISES
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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