When it became obvious that Abraham and his nephew, Lot, needed to go their separate ways, Abraham gave Lot first pick of which area of land to call his own.

Lot chose the fertile valley of Sodom, in spite of the fact that the valley was also rich in wickedness. For a time, Lot prospered. But in the end, he lost everything, including his wife.

Lot chose what appeared to be the best: the most fertile land, the easiest way to maintain his wealth, the superior location, hoping to use it for his benefit. Lot had hopes, but the things he put his hope in don’t last and they certainly don’t add real meaning to life.

Abraham’s vision, however, was higher than making money. He “looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Abraham’s higher level of hope gave him lasting joy and satisfaction. He trusted that his family would inherit the eternal city of God.

The eighteenth century English poet Alexander Pope famously wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”

You may never have all the things you want, but you can have the blessed hope in God (Titus 2:13). It is a hope God has in store for you if you will just ask for it.