And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 1:6

As a followup on the post on comparing, we also need to know that we kind find hope in not looking around, but looking to Christ. Discouragement is always waiting to devour us if we continually look at others or ourselves and see where we always fall short. But in looking at Christ and what he has done and is doing for us daily before God, we have hope and a way to battle discouragement.

God’s grace is there daily for us to see, even in small measure. If we truly believe that “all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose,” then we can have a strong hope to withstand the attacks of discouragement.

We are not perfect. There are flaws in our lives and the believers we see each day and week. But while we are justified, we are also not what we will be. Know that one day Christ will return and complete that good work he has started. And rest in that hope and press on.