A fable is told of a man sentenced to death, but who was granted a reprieve of one year by the king. Learning that the king was fond of horses, he had promised he would teach the king’s horse how to fly within a year. His friends laughed but he said,” within the year, the king may die, the horse may die, I may die, or who knows, the king’s horse may learn to fly. This bizarre anecdote teaches us that hope based on unreality is no hope at all – just silly optimism. How much better it is to base one’s hope for time and eternity on the one who can fulfill that hope. One hymn writer put it well, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.” On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Also, Paul the apostle wrote, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing …” In what are you putting your hope for the future?