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This devotional address entitled Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ was given on May 20th of 2008 by David L. Coyman, then a BYU professor of physiology and developmental biology.

Having a hope in Christ is a theme woven throughout the scriptures. The word hope can imply a simple

wish or can suggest a declaration founded upon experience and knowledge. The Apostle Paul said that

now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

The hope which Paul describes is much richer and different than a mere wish.

Rather, it is related to knowledge and leads to a life of diligence.

If we take a difficult class and put forth little effort to study or

prepare for exams and assignments, we might say, I hope I get in this class, but in reality,

that hope is nothing more than a wish, and deep inside we know it. If, however, we study effectively,

monitor our progress, make corrections when necessary,

and do all in our power to perform well in the class, we may be able to declare with assurance,

I have a hope that I will get an A in this class. Such a hope will be well-founded, and deep inside

we will have a confident assertion that it will come to

pass. According to Paul, if something exists which we cannot detect with the natural senses,

then faith is the evidence that it is real. For those of us to have faith in God and his son,

Jesus Christ, that evidence born of faith is very real.

Paul said that faith is the substance of things hope for. Or in other words, hope is made up of the

things in which we have faith. Faith precedes a true enduring hope that motivates us to press forward with the steadfastness

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