The hope that comes from heaven sustains a belief when there appears no earthly reason for its existence.  From where could this hope come if it were not an act of divine grace.  Our falleness would give birth to a hope that is no hope at all.  Our earthliness would have us hope in the things of this world that are turning to rust.  Abraham's hope was made reality, not because he hoped in the things unseen, but because his hope was in the promise of the Lord.  In Christ our hope soars to heavenly places and is not left earthbound.  No matter the circumstances, hope is fulfilled because the promises of God do not fade or grow dim.

 

 

Who against hope believed in hope - The faith of Abraham bore an exact correspondence to the power and never-failing faithfulness of God; for though, in the ordinary course of things, he had not the best foundation of hope, yet he believed that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken; namely, that his posterity should be like the stars of heaven for multitude, and like the dust of the earth. (Dr. Adam Clarke)

 

 

A description of true faith wholly resting in the power of God, and his good will, set forth in the example of Abraham. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

 

 

The Apostle shows the power and excellence of that faith to which he ascribes justification. Who against hope - Against all probability, believed and hoped in the promise. The same thing is apprehended both by faith and hope; by faith, as a thing which God has spoken; by hope, as a good thing which God has promised to us. So shall thy seed be - Both natural and spiritual, as the stars of heaven for multitude. (John Wesley)