Thursday, 2 October 2025

Hope, with a track record

 


The phrase, 'track record', usually refers to a record of someone's past performance and this is often used as an indicator of likely future performance. It is believed to have originated from the sport of Horseracing, where a horses past performances on the track, would give punters a good idea of their future racing potential.

In Eugene Peterson's paraphrase, he uses the phrase to speak of someone whose past attitude gives us a warning of his future behaviour: 

Matthew 5:25-26 - "...Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court..."

So, when Anne Lamott offers her thoughts on a definition of 'faith', it is striking that she suggests that it is "hope, with a track record.' 

Our faith in Jesus is not based on our feelings or opinions, but rather on His track record. When we see that we have placed our Hope and Trust in him, and Jesus hasn't let us down, then we find it a little easier to have faith in him (in the future). 

 "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." - Psalm 62:8

Living in Grace

D3LM3

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